Plastic pollution is one of the greatest polycrises of our time. Since its invention in the late 1800s, plastic has slowly become ubiquitous in our lives – in our homes, streets, and oceans – to such an extent that plastic is, quite literally, everywhere. Drawing attention to the plastic pollution crisis was the theme of this year’s Trashion Show in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, organised by One Planet SA and a team of volunteers.

Each June for the past nine years, the Trashion Show has gathered learners from across the province with the invitation to show off their innovative design skills in turning trash into fashion. This year, 162 primary school and high school learners, mostly from schools with limited resources, took on the challenge in celebration of World Environment Week and Oceans Day.

Hilton Montessori School’s Allegra Homero cleverly engineered wings that captured lots of attention. Combined with the sunflower-inspired eggbox blossoms on her bubble wrap dress, she was declared a winner.

Allegra Homero

Vibrant plastic pom poms earned Snothando Khanyeza, from Phumelelani Primary, the nickname “Colour Pop”, and Nomveliso Mchunu, from Muntuza Primary, turned heads in her ensemble made of discarded plastic spoons.

Joshua Ganachaud, from Amanzimtoti Primary, won the Best Fantasy Costume for his superhero space junkie look made from maize meal bags, cardboard, plastic and chip packets.

Breanne Venter and Hannah Zunckl

The favourite in the Wire Cars category was Akhona Mabizela’s brilliantly engineered truck. “Over the years, it has never ceased to amaze me the careful observation, level of detail, and spirit of invention on display,” says judge, Barry Downard.

Sisanda Zondi, from Phumelelani Primary, went all out with traditional Zulu attire made from found materials. Azande Mthethwa, from Khethindlenlenhle Primary, wowed the judges with her Marilyn Munroe newspaper boob-tube. And Shivana Naidoo’s, from Amanzimtoti Primary, paper party dress was deemed worthy of a prize too.

Wandile Xaba

“One of the building blocks to happiness is real human engagement. The Trashion Show was 100% that, with every participant whether judge, teacher or learner engaged to the max. Through happiness people learn and today our learnings about our planet, and being mindful of our plastic use was awash with colour, joy and engagement,” says Phillipa Gordon, a veteran Trashion Show judge. Eco-friendly prizes were sponsored by E’Yakho Green, Dignity Dreams, Rondavel Soaps, Subz, Karkloof Canopy Tours, Helon Melon Designs, Consol. Notties Spar, Greendale Spar and Wedgewood provided refreshments.

Shea O’Connor Combined School learners won many of the top spots, which is unsurprising as the school has been part of the Trashion Show since the very first event in 2015. The Trashion Show encourages learners to explore their design skills and express their creativity. “This is real learning. Across all grades, the Trashion Show teaches life skills and environmental care. Exactly the sort of learners we aim to produce,” says educator, Smanga Dlamini.

Vanessa Duke, from Cosmo Primary School, believes that the event inspired learners to think beyond consumerism, to “make-do” with what they have, and to become aware of what is potentially useful instead of just throwing things away.

The overwhelming message was to reuse, recycle and do it in style. They say the future is in the hands of the youth. With these creative minds, and inventive spirits, leading the way towards addressing our waste crisis, the future is looking brighter.

• Images: Photos by Ker