How Kenyan eco-artist is turning plastic waste into art to combat climate crisis

In the city of Kisumu, Kenya, a young eco-artist and environmental conservationist, Steve Omondi Orowo, is quietly leading a creative revolution against plastic pollution.

Through his initiative, “The Green Entrepreneur,” Orowo is transforming discarded plastic waste into stunning decorative art — a unique response to the mounting climate crisis.

Driven by a passion for both art and the environment, Orowo’s work highlights the urgent need to address plastic pollution, which continues to pose serious threats to ecosystems, biodiversity, and public health.

“I grew up with a natural flair for creativity,” he says. “Over time, I began to see how discarded materials could be repurposed into functional, eco-friendly items.”

His turning point came when he discovered that plastic waste could be transformed into decorative art. For Orowo, it was an opportunity to tackle a global problem in a local, tangible way.

From Waste to Wonder

Orowo sources his plastic materials from waste pickers, collection centers, and local community members, compensating waste pickers for their contributions. The collected plastics are then cleaned, processed, and turned into strong, long-lasting decorative flowers. These pieces now brighten homes, offices, churches, events, and restaurants.

Children in the community have joined the effort too. “Their perception of plastic has changed,” he says. “Now they know it can be used to make something valuable.” That mindset shift, he believes, signals a deeper cultural transformation.

Empowering the Next Generation

Since launching “The Green Entrepreneur,” Orowo has trained over 250 young people in recycling techniques. He continues to pass on practical skills and inspire action, encouraging young people to lead change in their own communities.

Three of these trainees now work with him directly, helping with product design, logistics, and business development — proof, he says, that recycling isn’t just good for the planet, but also a powerful tool for job creation and economic empowerment.

Challenges and Support

The journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Orowo cites lack of funding and tools as major challenges in scaling up his work. However, a critical turning point came with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which enabled him to build a prototype and acquire basic equipment.

He has also battled public stigma around waste work and a general lack of awareness about plastic pollution. Through consistent community engagement and advocacy, he is slowly changing minds and attitudes.

A Vision for the Future

As his work gains recognition, Orowo is calling for greater institutional support for young green entrepreneurs. He urges governments to create inclusive platforms for youth in environmental decision-making. He also hopes to see circular economy education embedded in schools, particularly within Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Looking ahead, he envisions a full-scale recycling center in his community within five years — a space dedicated to training, employment, and innovation in waste management.

“Climate change is real,” Orowo says, “but so is our power to change it. Let’s take action today. Let’s recycle, reduce waste, and save the earth.”