The people of Farash Town, in the suburbs of Islamabad, are rethinking waste, thanks to a transformative three-day workshop.
The training, led by the Institute of Urbanism (IoU) and supported by Henrich Boll Stiftung (HBS), aimed to shift perspectives on everyday waste, teaching participants how to turn household trash into valuable resources, and creating new opportunities for families in the process.
The workshop introduced residents to the idea that much of what is typically discarded—especially wet waste—can be repurposed.
Eco-organics founder Aqsa Arshad taught participants how 60-70% of daily household waste, often food scraps, can be converted into organic fertilizer. This not only benefits the environment but offers families a way to earn a living.
“Waste has value”
Plastic waste also became a focal point of the discussions. Participants were shown how even something as simple as a plastic bottle can be recycled into polyester fabric for clothing. The overarching message? “Waste has value.” This realization struck many attendees as they learned that their household trash could become part of something bigger, contributing to sustainable solutions.
Tayyaba Pervaiz, Program Assistant at IoU, encouraged participants to look beyond waste disposal and think creatively about upcycling. “Upcycling isn’t just about giving old items a second life; it’s about finding value in things we throw away,” she explained.
“It’s about realizing the value in what we often throw away. By turning waste into something useful—like using old tires as planters or turning plastic bottles into decorative flowerpots—you’re not only helping the environment, but you’re also creating a source of income. Everyone has the power to create something beautiful and meaningful from waste.”
Dr. Ejaz, Senior Program Coordinator at IoU, highlighted the broader impact of waste mismanagement on health and the environment. “Improper waste disposal pollutes the air, water, and soil we rely on. But with better waste management, we can protect our communities and our planet,” he said.
The workshop ignited a sense of community empowerment, sparking new ideas and conversations. By the end, residents felt hopeful, realizing that waste isn’t just a problem—it can be an opportunity to build a cleaner, healthier future for Farash Town.