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In a world brimming with waste and forgotten potential, a group of passionate individuals came together to rewrite the story of discarded paper. Thus, PAPERREVERSE was born, a beacon of creativity and sustainability. Petros Mwatura (Zimbabwe), the visionary founder, is no stranger to the power of upcycling. Growing up in Zimbabwe, he witnessed his uncle's ingenious artistry, transforming trash paper into intricate sculptures and chess pieces. Inspired by this memory, Petros set out to breathe life into a similar concept with a grander purpose: combat environmental pollution and inspire social change. Joined by a diverse team of five members from different corners of the world—Patrick II Senderayi (Zimbabwe), Georgina Guinevere (Malaysia), Siti Nur Aisyah (Malaysia), and Nur Fathia Andina (Malaysia)—PAPERREVERSE became more than just a club. It evolved into a movement, a mission to reduce paper waste and craft a better future.

The spark ignited PAPERREVERSE's creation and was rooted in Petros' childhood memories. He fondly remembered his uncle in Zimbabwe, who had ingeniously repurposed discarded paper into chess pieces and sculptures. This memory and the growing concern for the escalating paper waste crisis set the wheels of change. Petros envisioned a world where the art of crafting breathed new life into paper waste, simultaneously tackling environmental pollution and fostering community connection.

Image of oil disposal

As the months rolled by, PAPERREVERSE's vision evolved and deepened. What started as an eco-friendly initiative quickly became a hub of camaraderie and creativity. The club's crafts, particularly chess sets made from upcycled paper, brought people together in friendly competition, binding communities and fostering a sense of unity. Beyond games, crafting proved therapeutic, easing stress and anxiety while enhancing moods.

On the environmental front, PAPERREVERSE left an indelible mark. The club contributed to cleaner surroundings by repurposing paper, mitigating the looming threat of overflowing landfills and ocean pollution.

PAPERREVERSE's impact extended well beyond their crafting tables. The club collaborated with local businesses to amplify their efforts. Agreements with the other 3 Zero Clubs at AIU have led to creative collaborations that repurposed discarded materials and elevated their cause. With each day that passed, PAPERREVERSE inched closer to their ambitious aspirations.

SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

Their success lay in beautifully crafted pieces and the bridges they built between people, the environment, and the future. As their chess sets found new homes and their crafts adorned workplaces and living spaces, they moved toward an end where waste paper was no longer a problem but a source of inspiration and innovation.