Plastic Hits the Runway in Lagos’ Bold “Trashion Show”

In Lagos, Nigeria, discarded plastic bottles, food wrappers, and soda can tops are being reimagined as bold runway fashion in a youth-led “Trashion Show.”

Organized by the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative — a nonprofit known for rescuing sea turtles and promoting environmental conservation — the event aims to raise awareness about the devastating impact of plastic waste on marine ecosystems.

This year’s theme, “Sea Turtle Awakening: Our Oceans, Our Turtles,” connects fashion to a deeper environmental mission. Teenage designers and student volunteers collected litter from beaches and coastal communities, transforming it into colorful, avant-garde garments that blend culture, sustainability, and activism.

Nigeria produces an estimated 2.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, much of which ends up in rivers and the Atlantic Ocean. By giving waste new life on the runway, the show inspires a new generation of eco-conscious youth to rethink consumption and advocate for sustainable living.