Almaty: Around 2,000 participants embraced sustainability at the daramanka eco-action event, exchanging unwanted items and showcasing creativity through recycling. Highlights included initiatives by community leaders and artisans, underscoring a growing commitment to reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices in the city.
In a compelling showcase of communal eco-consciousness, approximately 2,000 participants gathered for a large eco-action event in Almaty on a recent Saturday at the newly established eco-community space, Recycle Birge, located in the Almalinsky district. This initiative, known locally as daramanka, celebrates the philosophy of giving used items a second life, ensuring that what may be considered waste to some can be transformed into valuable resources for others.
The event saw an impressive array of 18 types of recyclables brought in for processing, highlighting the community’s commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management. Daramanka, which encourages individuals to bring full bags of items to exchange freely, allows participants to declutter their homes without the stigma of disposal. According to the concept, attendees mix an exchange of unwanted items ranging from clothes and books to kitchenware, thus fostering a culture of generosity and creativity in reusing materials.
Among the participants was Abunasyr Madeniy, who took proactive measures when a relative’s clothing store faced closure. With stock left unsold as local buyers had exhausted their interest at discounted prices, Madeniy decided to avert potential waste by transforming the leftover garments into fashionable shopping bags. This initiative not only diverts materials from landfills but also creates new, useful products.
Leila Mukhtdinova, another key figure in this sustainable movement, has rallied a community of support through her group “Waste on the Way.” Since its inception two years ago, her family’s eco-mobile has successfully removed over 20 tons of waste from the city. Mukhtdinova has implemented practices such as repurposing organic waste to nourish livestock and fertilise the soil, greatly benefiting collaborating farmers. She shares numerous tips on water conservation and effective storage of non-recyclables, demonstrating a thoughtful engagement with waste sorting.
The creative talents of participants were also evident. Craftsperson Alma Aldabergenova showcased her papier-mâché creations, made from recycled egg cartons, while fellow artisan Natalia Voronina crafted durable bags from food packaging and other filler materials. Funds generated from Voronina’s sales are directed towards supporting local animal shelters, underlining the dual impact of these initiatives—addressing waste while promoting social good.
The enthusiasm for the daramanka evident from year to year suggests a growing movement within Almaty, with both new and returning participants eager to make sustainable choices. Yulia Zeng captures the spirit of the event, reflecting a community increasingly committed to eco-friendly practices and the empowerment of creative alternatives to waste.
Source: Noah Wire Services
