To highlight this year's Environment Week, four year old Lucy Jenkin is the youngest in a group of talented contestants vying for prizes in the first ever 'Aati 'o e Veve (Trash to Art) competition hosted by the Tonga Solid Waste Management Project on June 4 on the lawn across Fa'onelua Park in Nuku'alofa with a runway show at 10 a.m. as well as a floral arrangement and handicraft competition.

The 'Aati 'o e Veve Competition began with an idea from the community to promote the serious messages about recycling and reuse through a fun recycled fashion competition. Contestants design fashion creations from at least 85% recycled materials. There are three categories namely Juniors, Teens and Adults. It has attracted individual entrants, classmates, groups of siblings and aspiring artists. Prizes have been provided by the Tonga Solid Waste Management Project and various sponsors. Judges include 'Ofa Tu'ikolovatu (GIO Recycling), Monalisa Tukuafu ('Aloua Ma'a Tonga), Chris Egan (Blue Banana Studios), Natalia V. Palu (Ministry of Public Enterprises) and a representative from Mara's Fashions. Winners will strut these wearable arts on the TV show Talanoa 'o e Veve and will be featured on a Heilala Float.

The event will be fun filled. An opening prayer by inspiring Penisimani Tonga will begin the programme to be followed by Welcoming Remarks from Talita Helu, Information Officer of the Tonga Solid Waste Management Project. The festival is honoured to have Hon. Lupepau'u Tuita present some of the prizes. Hon. Kalaniuvalu will deliver a speech before the Vote of Thanks. Entertainment will be made by the Fakalotomu'a Show of Good Samaritan Inn, Knights in Paradise, Hopoi Vou, Foi Ledger, Liku'alofa Beach Resort and the Big Band.

It is hoped that this will become an annual event to raise awareness and to harness the creative talents of Tongans to deliver positive messages for our environment. Sponsors include Tonga Solid Waste Management Project, GIO Recycling, Sofrana Shipping, Oceantranz, Total Oil, Office Equipment, TCC, Friends Cafe, Royal Coffee, Baby Blue Hair Salon, Liku'alofa Resort, Apex Insurance, Tinopai, Richmond Hollywood Video, Good Samaritan Inn, Toloke Enterprises, 'Alatini Foodland, Cassiopeia's Cafe, Skip's Joinery, Pleasant Lodge, Industrial Automotives, 'Ofa's Hairstylist, Heilala 2007 and Professional PR. Tonga Solid Waste Management Project, 04/06/07.