Resign For Recycling Design

   Immediately after taking your first step inside Alaa’s workshop, you realize the sheer amount of creativity that one space can hold. Boxes and shelves full of colourful glass bottles of all shapes and sizes are the core materials that Alaa’ uses to turn junk into treasure.

   His passion for handmade products has been with him since he was a teenager. When he was 16, he decided to make his own computer desk. His vision has changed since then, especially when he realized what one can do with the ‘rubbish’ around one’s own room, house, street and beyond. Palestine suffers from the lack of proper management of solid waste, which is exponentially increasing with the continuous move towards a consumer industrial society where disposables have become the norm. With no proper infrastructure to manage such solid waste, we as Palestinians are contributing to the deterioration of our own landscapes and our quality of life.

   Alaa’, an artist with a vision, saw the potential in the materials that are considered waste. For instance, the glass that is thrown away is durable, functional, and comes in pretty colours. Alaa’ also collects other raw materials like metal, cloth and wood to make his artistic pieces. His pieces are all unique; he uses beer and wine glasses to make cups, shot glasses, nut bowls, oil dispensers, jewellery, and much more. He loves to experiment and carry out product designs and even designed his own prototype glass-cutting machine, which works perfectly, saving him money and time on buying an imported one.Through his artwork, Alaa’ aims to change the culture of how we consume and how we live our lives. He wants to raise awareness of how to make sure our footprint on the environment in Palestine and the world is minimal, strongly believing that our social awareness of our surroundings will be a driving force for liberation from the occupation of our minds.

   Alaa’ has renovated his workspace in Beit Sahour, turning it into a production and training centre for artists and people who want to create and make a difference. If you have artistic skills and have been intrigued, or if you are simply curious, pay Resign a visit and get inspired by the ingenious ideas! Handy volunteers with experience in using tools and machinery are always welcome, in addition to those who can support with social media and networking. 

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Product Selling Points: Resign Studio, The Citadel for culture and information (Beit Sahour)

OtherServices: offers training and workshops

Volunteering Opportunities: Volunteers welcome!