Introduction

Waste used to sit at the edge of our lives with no purpose. Creativity changed that. Today, members of the Rotary Club of Ogba are turning what many discard into functional, beautiful, and lasting pieces. The work reflects Rotary’s focus on Supporting the Environment and the simple idea that small acts can create real change.

One example is the Home Sweet Home Project, an initiative led by the Club Secretary, Rtn. Ogemdi Kennedy Ogu. The project gives discarded Styrofoam a second life as functional art and home décor. It demonstrates how local action can reduce waste and foster pride in our communities.

A Story of Creativity and Purpose

The project drew early attention at the Sustainable Innovation Conference (SIC) 2025, where Rtn. Ogu shared a vision to reclaim Styrofoam waste littering Lagos streets and convert it into eco‑conscious functional art.

This effort builds on a track record of inventive reuse. Used tyres become centre tables. Plastic, paper, and compact discs are transformed into Christmas trees. Plastic ropes become chandeliers. Plastic bottles serve as plant nurseries and flower pots. Banana peels and eggshells enrich soil as compost. Each example demonstrates that creativity can transform waste into wealth and purpose into meaningful impact.

Home Sweet Home moves beyond simple upcycling. It treats waste as a resource, links design to function, and encourages households to view sustainability as an integral part of daily life.

Why This Matters

Each year, Nigeria generates over 100,000 tons of Styrofoam waste, most of which clogs drains, pollutes waterways, and takes over 500 years to decompose.

By reimagining Styrofoam as a material for art and interior design, the project models circular practice. It diverts waste from land and water. It reduces pressure on municipal systems. It builds skills and fosters local enterprise.

Aligning with Rotary’s Global Focus

The Home Sweet Home Project aligns with Rotary’s values of service and impact, supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.

It reminds us that sustainability begins not in distant factories, but in our homes. Choices made in households and neighbourhoods add up to cleaner streets, safer drains, and healthier communities.

Integrating Innovation and Accountability

The project incorporates a QR code verification system, enabling traceability and transparency. This tool helps confirm materials, document process steps, and provides a record of impact.

Verification reduces the risk of greenwashing. This approach strengthens accountability within sustainable production and motivates organisations to measure their environmental actions, not just market them.

A Vision for Change

According to Rtn. Ogu, “This project is about more than transforming waste. It is about how we think about innovation in Nigeria.” The project shows what is possible when design meets purpose and community energy.

As Rotary champions solutions that support people and the planet, the Home Sweet Home Project offers a practical path. It turns waste into works of hope and ideas into action.

Watch the Project Video

A short video documents the Home Sweet Home Project from collection to final installation.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/K_RLBgHkfEE