“What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?”

~ Henry David Thoreau

Now in its fifth year, REUSE has become a date on the calendar you’d be foolish to miss. Even though they care deeply about recycling and reusing, they create something fresh and original with each new version (this year dubbed 5.0).

Once again hosted at the Australian College Kuwait (ACK), organized by en.v Initiative and sponsored by Zain, REUSE 5.0 was a dazzling display of what can be done with an idea and a lot of imagination. Non-profit organizations, companies, professionals and aspiring creative talents were able to showcase their accomplishments in the field of social responsibility and sustainability. There really is no other event like it in Kuwait.

Each day there was a swirling mixture of artists, galleries, musical performances, short films, a yard sale, a lounge and even eco-fashion and accessories. The central performance area was put together by the Sadu House, in collaboration with Hassan Hajjaj, known as the ‘Andy Warhol’ of the Arab world, who flew in from London especially for the event. A daily performance by Gnawa musician Simo Lagnawai turned this ‘diwaniya’ in the middle of a car park into a warm gathering of like-minded people and forward thinking individuals – the modern take on ancient Moroccan music bringing everyone present into silence and a little closer together.

The ‘hall’ used to hold REUSE 5.0 was constructed in the ACK car park using materials, equipment and professionals from the Kharafi National Company, showing their support for promoting environmental awareness.

Schools and universities were also invited to showcase their mixed media art, created reusing scrap materials. In all, eleven schools and universities participated.

REUSE 5.0 incorporated Earth Day into the event with a special celebration held on the 22nd April. Over eighty students came along and special interactive presentations were put on by en.v, Ks PATH, Hassan Hajjaj, Tarek Atrissi and Simo Lagnawi. The students were also treated to a healthy lunch by LoFat. En.v also organized a series of workshops called ‘The Designer as Eco-Friendly Activist’ on the 19th and 21st April at the Sadu House. The workshops were conducted by Tarek Atrissi.

REUSE 5.0 is under the patronage of Dr Yousef H. Al-Ebraheem, advisor to Al-Diwan Al Amiri and former Minister of Education and Higher Education. This year a range of cool eco-friendly products by Kuwait boutiques such as Solarity, L’Occitaine and Green Sac were featured. The event of course could not have taken place without support from private sector partners, which this year included Agility, MRC, Utilities Development Company, El Boutique Creative Group and PH7.

bazaar was, as ever, immensely proud to be a sponsor of REUSE, and 5.0 was the first year we took part and had our own stand. We hope you all took the opportunity to pick up our latest issue! We agree whole-heartedly with the REUSE objective of trying to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of recycling and reducing waste, while emphasising the magnitude of everyone’s role in preserving our surroundings and community for future generations.

For more information on REUSE 5.0 visit www.projectreuseme.com or contact them on 22524614 or reuse@envearth.com.