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ABOUT THE RECYCLE CHALLENGE

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Did you know? The average college student produces 640 pounds of solid waste each year, including roughly 500 disposable cups and 320 pounds of paper.

Our recycle challenge intends to increase our collective awareness on trash pollution. Most importantly, through utilizing recycled paper with other unwanted, or discarded materials or rubbish to create smart art, there’s an appreciation for recycling in a fun way that reduces the impact. The challenge is open to artists, fashion designers, teachers and their students and everyday people interested in new ways to “rethink” what creatively is possible for recycling.

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Beginning in 2018, The Recycle Challenge organizer, creator and recycle artist ,Madera E. Rogers-Henry has been spreading the word about sustainability and green living. She began teaching first to eighth grade student's in small independent schools in the lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Along with fellow folk artist, Russell Robinson who had already began teaching children how to craft miniature houses and guitars of cardboard. The two along with Rowena Robinson, (Russell Robinson's wife) began to see the amazing work children were creating.

Now, The Recycle Challenge five years later, even with the pandemic slowing down many aspects. Has continued to evolve and unfold organically. Although, Madera has ceased working directly in the classroom with children, technology has been an incredible learning tool allowing her to train young and adults alike. Over the past six months, some fifty or so hat makers of the Milliners Association of Nigeria, has accepted The Recycle Challenge. They have crafted small pill box hats to wide brim hats of all shapes and sizes  incorporating recycled paper and other materials.

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In January of 2022, a New Orleanian artist, Taylor J.L. which resides in Amsterdam has accepted the challenge as well. Attendees will be introduced to a "virtual experience" behind the scenes as she crafts a boat made of recycled materials.

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