Since 2015, Lebanon has been drowning in trash. Mixed with hummus containers, water bottles and plastic espresso cups, trash washing up on its mediterranean shores has been called a microcosm of the country. Human Rights Watch has even referred to the situation as a national health crisis, not to mention a key factor resulting in mass protests. In the last five years, without permanent landfills in place, trash is literally flooding the streets of Beirut and the surrounding areas. According to a source on global recycling, “of the daily amount of roughly 4,500 - 5,000 tons of municipal solid waste, 48 percent is landfilled, 29 percent openly dumped, 15 percent composted and only 8 percent recycled.”

But as the waste piles up and crowds continue to protest , environmental initiatives and creatives have come together to find innovative solutions to tackle the problem. 

Jean Paul, also known as JP, is a Lebanese designer with a passion for transforming plastic waste into beautiful creations: 

“Around six years ago I was swimming in Jounieh when I noticed a lot of discarded plastic and wood in the sea. I wondered what I could do to solve this problem. My passion for always trying new things motivated me to explore new techniques and materials. This is when I got the idea of using plastic instead of granite to produce a terrazzo-type material.”

Since then, JP designs his own molds and color combinations using discarded plastic. In his studio, he is busy at work producing pots, trays, table tops and even soap dishes using his recycled material. He works with individuals, companies and individuals who organize beach cleanup days and other collection activities, providing him with plastic to recycle and create. 

In 2019 alone, JP was able to recycle 2,000 tons of plastic waste and turn it into treasured homewares.

To learn more about JP’s work and creations, we invite you to check out his collection on Instagram jp.recycledesign or follow him on Facebook: JP RecycleDesign.