Turning trash to treasure

THE Thirst Quenchers' charity champions are organising a festive 'Trash to Treasure' exhibition this weekend.

The group, originally set up by caring young people to provide refreshments for construction workers during a sweltering heat wave, has grown in number and ambition and is currently focusing on environmental issues.

Members, supported by The Coca-Cola Company and the InterContinental Regency Bahrain, will be holding a charitable crafts exhibition to showcase a variety of eco-friendly festive decorative items made from recyclable material.

This Saturday's event is centred on the theme 'Refresh, Reuse and Recycle' and takes place from noon to 6pm in the hotel's Al Reem hall.

"We hope that they will be a source of inspiration to all the other young members of the community, as it is their future we are talking about!" said Leila Rajkumar, public relations manager of The Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

The purpose of the exhibition is to educate and advise people on adopting a 'green' sensibility this festive season and to reuse, refresh or recycle wherever possible, thus reducing the overall impact on the environment.

A Thirst Quenchers spokesman added: "Our daily actions bear direct consequences on the quality of the environment. To reduce any further environmental damage and pave the way to a greener future, each one of us should practice eco-friendly habits in our daily lives."

The exhibition is also being organised to raise funds to support worthy local charities. A selection of innovative items that normally end up in the bin have been transformed into something attractive and functional and will be on sale at 'Trash to Treasure' stalls.

There will be an array of silk cushions and scarves designed from sarees, fridge magnets made from expired bread, cloth bags created using curtain and bedcover material, beautiful paper beading, jewellery-embellished with Swarovski stones, and even earring holders made from CDs on display.

Other items include decorative hand-painted cloth bags and wreaths made from magazines and newspapers as well as bookmarks from pieces of discarded chart paper.

Ever mindful of the effects of their behaviour on the environment, the Thirst Quenchers' have also started changing their habits at home by segregating cans, plastic and paper and ensuring that they are recycled and wish to spread the green message.