Turning Climate Anxiety into Creative Fuel

It was a day like any other. I was about to make a cup of coffee when I paused, staring at the bright orange capsule in my hand. It struck me how beautiful it was, and for the first time, I thought, “You’re way too beautiful to throw away.” That moment changed everything. I began saving the capsules, cleaning them one by one, and brainstorming ways to give them a second life. This moment took me back to my childhood when I found a pile of boxes in a storeroom and turned them into holiday decorations and gifts.

Back then, I didn’t know what upcycling was—I just loved creating something meaningful out of discarded items.

Years later, after collecting hundreds of coffee capsules, I started to experiment with their shapes and colours and created my first “Coffee Addiction Lamp.” That small achievement sparked a deeper curiosity.

I began researching the materials I was working with—what they were made of, why they were used, and what sustainable alternatives might exist. Soon, I noticed other discarded materials and started incorporating them into my artwork.

Each project became an opportunity to spark conversations about waste and sustainable alternatives.

In 2016, while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, I reached the top of Uhuru Peak and stood in awe at Africa’s highest point. The view was breathtaking.

“If you think this is beautiful, you should have seen it 10 years ago,” our guide interjected. His comment hit me like a ton of bricks.

Are we losing the most beautiful things our planet has to offer? Will future adventurers have to rely on books and movies for experiences I’ve been privileged to enjoy? How tragic it would be if what gives me joy today will not exist for future generations.

I knew I had to act.

However, with my newfound commitment came overwhelming guilt. I felt responsible for every piece of waste I ever created. Climate anxiety consumed me as I tried to do everything perfectly—no single-use items, no waste, no compromises. The pressure was unbearable, leaving me feeling helpless.

Eventually, after conversations with inspiring individuals on my sustainability podcast, Mama Earth Talk, I realised guilt could either paralyse or push me forward. I stopped letting shame over past actions consume me. Instead, I used it as a driver and focused on what I could do next. Perfection isn’t possible. I began celebrating small wins: fixing broken items, supporting local businesses, and inspiring others to recycle more thoughtfully.

“Progress, not perfection” became my mantra.

Trash became my creative awakening. What once looked like garbage became a palette of colours and textures waiting to tell a story. I created portraits from plastic wrappers, sculptures from single-use plastic straws and became art by wearing all the waste I generated for 30 days. People were shocked, as they realised just how much waste an average person produces in a month.

Each art piece felt like a rebellion against waste—a way to reclaim it, give it a second life, and start meaningful conversations. I channelled this passion into my podcast to amplify environmental discussions, answer questions, and spotlight voices driving change.

This journey also inspired me to deepen my knowledge. I pursued further education in sustainable design and environmental science, equipping myself with the tools to create a greater impact. Education became another facet of my commitment—not just for myself but also for the communities and organisations I assist on their sustainability journeys.

The process was transformative. My anxiety didn’t disappear entirely, but directing it into art and action became empowering. I couldn’t control the entire world, but I could control how I showed up in it.

If you’re overwhelmed by climate anxiety, my message to you is that you’re not alone. It’s easy to feel like your actions are small and just a drop in the ocean. But those drops add up. The key is to channel your energy— through art, writing, activism, or anything else, or even just through small daily changes.

Turning trash into art, for me, has been about more than reducing waste; it’s been about shifting my mindset. Climate anxiety isn’t something to hide from. It’s a reminder that we care, that we’re paying attention, and that we want to be part of the solution.

If you’re feeling the same unease I once felt, take heart. It means you’re awake to the world around you. And that awareness? That’s where the magic begins. Let it inspire you, fuel you, and guide your growth—because the truth is, we need you. Your voice, creativity, and perspective matter.