By Eleanor Gee

An exhibition displaying sustainable arts and crafts made from natural materials and plastic was held today, as one of the activities marking Environment Week.

The Environment Day is marked internationally on June 5 but Tonga celebrates it over one week.

Chief Environment Officer at the Department of Environment, Sione Tukia told Matangi Tonga, that different villages and communities had brought in arts and crafts and projects for display.

“One of the problems in Tonga is the large number of products used that cannot decompose naturally because they are made out of plastic. Villages here, such as Kolofo’ou and Fasi are exhibiting how they reduce rubbish, which is good news and if these villages can do this, so can the whole country,” he said.

“The problem with a lot of rubbish in Tonga is not enough land and there are concerns with where we get our water from.”

Recycling materials

One exhibitor, Tailulu College teacher, ‘Evelina Finau, said it is important to recycle to lessen the amount of waste that is thrown away. 

“At my house, there are heaps of bags with empty bottles I use for recycling. I also teach students to recycle,” she said.

"There is currently a creative class at Tailulu College and when students see me making things out of plastic, they are interested so they come and enquire."

The exhibition held at Falemasiva Halll also gave out prizes for winners of a Fanga’uta Science, Fanga’uta Art, Tik Tok, and story writing competitions as well as quizzes.

On display were plastic art, pot plant holders, vases, photo frames, decorative mirrors, candleholders, fruit bowls, washing baskets, among others.