From Waste to Wonder - Kids Workshop for Environmental Impact

Jamie van Duuren
Jamie van Duuren @external • 14 July 2025

From Waste to Wonder - Kids Workshop for Environmental Impact 

"From Waste to Wonder" is an interactive, hands-on workshop where children transform bio-waste, such as coffee grounds, potato starch, and casein, into biodegradable compostable toys. By engaging in a creative design process, participants foster environmental awareness, circular thinking, and problem-solving skills, making sustainability accessible, educational, and fun for the next generation.

The workshop follows a guided six-step process, encouraging children to explore material life cycles and understand the impact of waste. Through experiential learning, they actively participate in crafting recipes, shaping toys, and reimagining waste as a valuable resource.

Unlike traditional environmental education, this project emphasizes making over passive learning. It bridges the gap between sustainability and creativity, inspiring a deeper connection with nature. By collaborating with schools, museums, and community centers, From Waste to Wonder fosters a new generation of environmentally-conscious thinkers, equipping them with the skills and mindset to tackle future ecological challenges.
 

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Curious to see the workshop in action?
Check out behind-the-scenes footage on Instagram: @jamievanduuren_design

Want to learn more about the project?
Visit: www.workshop-fromwastetowonder.com
 

Comments (2)

Petra Moreno

Such a brilliant initiative, Jamie! Did any of the students keep the momentum going after the project ended? Would be amazing to hear how it’s rippled out! :)

Jamie van Duuren
Jamie van Duuren

Oh yes they did! I developed the workshop further to also including flower seeds in the mixture, so the kids are also able to plant their toys after use. They give their toy another life, and take responsibility to grow a plant from it.


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