Learn upcycling from stylo architect Tressie Yap.

Note: All pictures are by NSTP Edmund Samunting

I remember it was a tough week for me for covering issues related to rubbish, pollution and marine species died from suffocation caused by plastic. 

Subconsciously, I feel drained and hopeless with people's attitude.

Then, I had the opportunity to interview architect Tressie Yap who has been championing “upcycling” waste including non biodegradable plastic into something valuable and useful. 

When I asked whether she is frustrated that people refused to reduce plastic, indiscriminately dispose waste into the ocean.

Tressie assures that people will eventually learn and have awareness that those actions are harmful in long term. 

“We just need to constantly show them that bringing own bag, no single use plastic and refuse "wants" are something cool and normal.”

        Tressie is wearing earring made from flip flop. She is showing book rack made from paper roll.

The session became more interesting when she told me that it has been 10 years since she bought new clothes.

All this while, she has been using either secondhand clothing or passed down from her

mother-in-law. But of course she redesigns to make them look trendy.

Not only the clothing, Tressie also wears upcycled jewelry and handbags to functions and receive good response from others.

     Coffee capsules. 

      Jewelries made from used wires. 

Pendant made from plastic bottle cap. 

                                                    

Purse made from plastic.

  

Tressie learns weaving skill from Youtube. They are made from 3-in-1 beverage packaging. 

Paper into a vase