Giving discards a new purpose

Neo carefully cuts up plastic bottles and shapes them into various items at his workshop in Pontian.

GIVE him a plastic bottle and he can turn the discarded item into different shapes to give it a new look and purpose.

Since picking up the hobby last year, 52-year-old Neo Wan Boon said he had repurposed almost 1,000 used plastic bottles that were once filled with liquid such as detergent, mineral water and hand sanitiser.

He cuts and manipulates the plastic materials into desired shapes, to turn them into stationery cases, baskets, mobile phone holders and flowerpots.

“It all started when I saw a social media post of something similar and decided to give it a try as I believe in recycling for a better future and for the next generation.

“I was instantly hooked as I can cut the bottle and its cap with simple cutting tools and glue them together into different shapes.

“After I posted my creations on social media, my friends became interested too.

“I am glad to share my creativity and at the same time, spread more awareness about environmental issues,” he said when interviewed.

Neo, who does odd jobs, said he could spend hours daily engaged in the activity in his workshop at his home in Pontian, Johor.

In conjunction with the lunar festive season, he also made God of Fortune and tiger figures from detergent bottles that doubled as baskets for the Year of the Tiger.

Being a member of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that emphasises on recycling and caring for the environment, Neo said he had easy access to discarded plastic bottles collected by its centre.

“It might sound funny as I am in my 50s, but I enjoy watching cartoons and that is where I draw inspiration to make cute animal figures from hard plastic bottles.

“I also used to be an art teacher so it is easier for me to translate my ideas into my designs as I usually try not to repeat the designs for my crafts.

“Each one will be unique so the recipient or collector can have a one-of-a-kind product at home that is functional too,” he said, adding that he sold the repurposed products for fun and planned to sell them for charity in future.

Neo was currently planning to bring the activity into primary schools to give early exposure to pupils about the importance of eliminating waste.

Cutting tools like blade cutters are part of his equipment to produce the crafts but could be risky for young children to handle so he is trying to find ways to let them participate in the activity safely.

“Since I spend most of the time at home taking care of my ageing father, I have a lot of time on my hands to experiment and try out new methods to produce the crafts.

“I aim to find a way to eliminate the use of glue to secure and piece the craft together to make it more environmentally-friendly.

“I want to keep improving and continue with this hobby so that when I fully retire one day, I will not be idle,” he said.