The forum "E-Muras. Ecological Heritage" aims to develop ecological habits among citizens. As noted by organizer Saltanat Abdykerimova, unlike traditional events held indoors, they chose an open space to attract more participants.
Preserving Traditions and Protecting Nature
Jipara Raimkulova, director of the handicraft association "Daiyry," highlighted the urgency of the waste disposal problem in the country, especially in Bishkek, which suffers from poor air quality. She noted that their artisans create clothing and household items using the kurak technique (patchwork), which helps to somewhat reduce pollution levels. Wall carpets, or tush-kiyiz, are in demand among both locals and foreigners and are becoming increasingly popular in the interiors of Kyrgyz homes.
The association provides jobs to a large number of people from the regions, employing up to 6,000 individuals, 99% of whom are women.
Recycling Cigarette Butts
Students from Bishkek State University named after Kusein Karasaev, numbering 27, presented their original eco-project, in which they recycle cigarette butts into pesticides, art paintings, and natural mold patches.
As explained by Milana Sadykova, a second-year student of the "Oriental Studies and International Relations" faculty, they extract tobacco with nicotine from cigarette filters, turning it into an inexpensive and eco-friendly pesticide for treating plants.
Additionally, the students create natural mold patches from cigarette butts. As a visual demonstration, they also developed several paintings showing how to create art while considering ecological issues.
Some volunteers collect cigarette butts from the streets of the city while wearing gloves, after which they disinfect and recycle them. A special box for collecting cigarette butts has been installed at the university, where smokers can dispose of their waste, contributing to the cleanliness of the city.
Although the students currently recycle materials by hand, there are plans to acquire special equipment in the future to optimize the process.
Fashion Solutions from Waste
At the open show, young designers from the Kyrgyz State Technical University named after Ishak Razakov presented their collections, such as "Kurak," "Cubism," "Color Revival," and "Muras." They create unique, modern, and eco-friendly clothing using recycled materials.
According to the aspiring fashion designers, the main goal of their show is to inspire young people to care for nature, rethink their relationship with things, and pay attention to the importance of collecting and sorting textile waste.
