Yoko shared a powerful reflection on how much the world has changed. Growing up in Japan, she recalls a time when there were no household waste disposal services—because there was no household rubbish. This wasn’t just due to simpler packaging, but also a deeply ingrained “waste not, want not” mindset that shaped everyday life.

Inspired by this philosophy, Yoko has created a vibrant and inclusive community group focused on upcycling. The group rescues materials from landfill and transforms them into beautiful, useful crafts. It’s a space where creativity meets sustainability, and people of all ages are welcome to join in.

Yoko’s group meets fortnightly on Tuesdays from 2–4pm, offering a warm and welcoming environment for anyone interested in reducing waste and learning new skills. You can find more details on our events calendar.

Through her work, Yoko is not only preserving valuable traditions but also building a culture of care and resourcefulness—one craft at a time.