What many people throw away as waste was crafted into beautiful artwork and stole the limelight at the Green Expo, held today at Harare Gardens.

The expo, which was postponed in July due to various reasons, saw different artwork, including sculpture, jewelry, toys and clothing, delighting visitors.

Artists used discarded material such as cans, newspaper, foil paper, steel and bottle tops to make innovative pieces that carry various messages.

Sculptor Ellard Alfred (47) says: “My work depicts the love missing in many families. The missing love is one of the reasons why domestic violence is rife in our community.”

Alfred said he was inspired by both environmental degradation and gender based violence to come up with sculptures that speak against them.

His artwork includes a sculpture of two parents glued together with the father carrying his child on his shoulders.

Another artist, Africa Kamutengo (38) who was exhibiting jewelry and toys made from bottle tops said he realised people mainly focus on bigger objects while ignoring the smaller ones when recycling litter.

“I started out making only earrings in 1999 but now I have developed to the extent that I have taken two disabled people under my wing to help me out, at the same time earning an income.”

The star of the show was 16-year old designer Lia Tariro Brazier. A dress she designed was selected to be worn at the Miss Earth international finals to be held in Manila, Philipine in December.

The dress, which was worn at a recycled fashion show held during the Expo, received the nod from judges Green Ambassador Derek Mpofu and Veronica Chapman.

Brazier was however absent to witness her win as she was writing an ‘O’ Level exam.

The Green Expo had been publicised as a six day event but was held for only one day without any conferences as previously promised. Less than 150 people, including representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate and the Ministry of Women Affairs Gender and Community Development, attended.