Upcycle: How I convert plastic waste into trendy home decor

Steve Omondi holding some aesthetic flowers made by himself [Photos: Silas Nyamweya]

Steve Omondi, an artist based in Kisumu, makes aesthetic flowers, used for decorating homes and offices, using plastics. The Nairobian traced him to his base where he shared his motivation and his journey in this business.

Briefly introduce yourself.

My name is Steve Omondi Orowo from Kisumu County. I live in Kisumu Central, Nyawita location. I am a mentor, volunteer, green entrepreneur, plastic warrior and artist, and an environmental conservationist. I am also Africa Agenda 2063 goodwill digital ambassador, championing the 12th and 13th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that revolve around responsible consumption and production as well as climate action.

Tell us about your decoration items and how you make them

I call my decorations aesthetic flowers. They are beautiful flowers for decorating homes and offices. I make them from plastic materials, especially the single-use plastic bottles. They are eco-friendly, strong, easy to use and last a longer. Making these flowers involve a lot of artwork. I craft them using locally available materials and tools such as scissors, hot glue gun, drilling machine, sharp blades, paints and of course the plastic materials.

Where do you get the raw materials from?

I use the single-use plastic bottles. There are people who pick them from the roads and events. I buy the plastics from these vendors. I also pick them whenever I attend events are I find plastics, including plastic bottles, I collect them. I also get some from community members and neighbours who are aware of my work.

When did you start this venture and what motivated you?

I am an artist who has always loved crafting since childhood. My work started while in primary school. However, the main venture started in late 2022 when I realized I could make something out of plastic materials. The fact that people were also willing to buy them was a major motivation for me. Being an environmental conservationist, an anti-plastic warrior, and an artist were also a key drivers, not forgetting the fact that I am also the Africa Agenda 2063 goodwill digital ambassador. I am very passionate about environmental conservation, a passion that has powered my actions.

What are some of the items you make and how do they cost?

My items include flowers, flowers vases, pen holders and decorated shells. I blend different vases such as pots, metal stands and wooden vases, so prices vary. The most expensive flower costs Sh1,200, that is, the large pots, metal and wooden vases. Flowers with plastic vases range from Sh400 to Sh500. Pen holders cost Sh150 each, while a decorated shell fetches me Sh100.

How has this business impacted your life economically?

First is economic empowerment. I can take care of my financial needs. I have employed myself at time many youths are jobless.

Where is your workshop and how do you reach customers?

My workshop is in Kondele. I have been hosted by a local organization where I also volunteer in a HIV prevention programme. I use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tiktok to reach my clients.

What are your main challenges in running this business?

Inadequate resources to expand the business is a major challenge. I wish I can get a good space so I can even mentor others.

What are your future plans?

I dream of establishing a recycling plant and make it a learning centre. I want employ many people, working national and county governments to scale it up this project.

Tell us about fine motor skills , how you use it in your artworks

My fine motor skills involve using my hands to craft products. It is about connection of the brain and nerve cells to actualize something into reality or tangible objects. It builds fine motors skills and neurons connection as well as encouraging imaginations.

Your parting shot?

Waste is wealth, let's recycle it as we save our environment.