More than 40 children, youth, and parents came together in Aitutaki on 29 October 2026 for the CAP-TURE the Change, Waste to Worth Workshop, a hands-on environmental outreach activity delivered through a partnership between the National Environment Service (NES), Grow Aitutaki, Aitutaki Island Government, Aitutaki Waste Management, Aitutaki Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute (CITTI), and the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP).
The workshop encouraged participants to see waste differently by transforming discarded bottle caps into colourful keyrings and jewellery. Through practical upcycling activities, participants learned how everyday materials can be reused rather than discarded, while gaining a greater understanding of plastic pollution and sustainable waste management.
More than 600 bottle caps were repurposed during the workshop, helping to divert plastic waste from landfill and the natural environment. The activity highlighted how creativity and community action can contribute to reducing plastic pollution while promoting circular economy principles.
Image: Aitutaki Waste Mangament Facility
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP) to raise awareness of marine litter and support practical solutions for reducing plastic pollution across the Cook Islands.
Colette Clarke of Grow Aitutaki said the workshop was a positive example of environmental education in action. “It was wonderful to see children, youth and adults learning together, developing new skills and discovering that materials often considered waste can be transformed into something valuable. Activities like this encourage people to rethink what they throw away and demonstrate how small actions can make a meaningful difference for our island and environment.”
Alone Davey, Environment Officer Aitutaki at the National Environment Service, stated that “through CAP-TURE THE CHANGE workshop, we are helping communities understand that everyone has a role to play in reducing plastic pollution. Every bottle cap reused is one less piece of waste that could end up in our landfill, waterways or ocean. The enthusiasm shown by participants highlights a growing interest in practical environmental solutions across Aitutaki.”
Melina Tuiravakai, Project Officer at the National Environment Service, said “the strong turnout reflected the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship. It was incredibly encouraging to see more than 40 participants come together to explore creative ways to reuse materials that would otherwise become waste. By transforming over 600 discarded bottle caps into useful and colourful items, participants demonstrated that everyday waste can be given a valuable second life.”
The National Environment Service acknowledges the funding support of the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP) and extends its sincere appreciation to Grow Aitutaki, Aitutaki Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute (CITTI), Aitutaki Waste Management, and the Aitutaki Island Government for their partnership in delivering this successful community initiative.
