WELS

AFRICA, Malawi, The Slideshows

By rwendland: on August 20, 2008 Topics: AFRICA, Malawi, The Slideshows

“Going green” and being environmentally friendly is a topic on many people’s minds lately. Here in Malawi, Africa, ‘going green’ is a way of life. It could be said that they live a ‘green lifestyle’. Generally people do not have many material possessions. When they do acquire different materials the product will serve its intended use as long as possible, the person will find other uses for it and the item is discarded only after it has genuinely worn out. A few examples of resourcefulness are…

Plastic bags are: cut into strips and crocheted into handbags, stretched over wire to make a toy kite or decorative flowers, woven into doormats, gathered and rolled into a ball for a child’s toy.

Glass bottles are cut in half, sanded down and used for drinking cups.

Rubber tires are: cut into thin strips and used as strapping to secure loads on bikes and minibuses, cut into chunks and wired together to make doormats, used to make slingshots, fashioned into sandals, cut into thin strips and used to secure bamboo fences.

Soft drink bottle tops are strung together with wire to make musical instruments that you shake or strike, made into earrings, fashioned into baskets and wall decorations using wire.

Tin cans are: pounded out to make cooking pots or pans, used for bug proof food storage.

Scraps of wire are: used for assorted musical instruments such as a bass or guitar, made into a children’s toys such as a wire car, motorcycle or gecko, strung with beads and woven into baskets, used to make beaded flip flops thongs.

Reusing products here in Africa prolongs the life of what possessions are available. Items that are intended for disposable use are often durable enough to see several uses. Disposable cups, plates and silverware are rarely tossed. Disposable communion cups are cleaned and used for many Sundays. A warn out farm implement may turn into a toy or even a church gong. One might see an old trailer hitch being used to strike it. A pair of safety pins can serve as shiny set of earrings. Plastic strapping is turned into a durable all-weather basket. An old truck bed may become the new ox cart someone has been waiting for.

As I write this I realize how blessed we are. Our family isn’t wanting for anything. In fact, we have never had to wait for anything we truly need. I am fascinated by the creativity and resourcefulness of items here. As I ponder the thought of recycling I think of God’s Word; the reason we are here as missionaries in Africa. Isaiah 55:11 offers encouraging words, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” That is one product we will want to use, reuse and recycle again and again for the benefit of all who hear it!