Creative Student Transforms Landfill-Bound Badminton Birdies into Eco-Friendly Art

Anya Yang, a 17-year-old from Markham, Ontario, is transforming used badminton birdies into beautiful artworks. As co-founder of Birdie UP Canada, she and her friends sell these upcycled creations to support the World Wildlife Fund and other charities. Anya was recently honored with the I-SEA National Youth Climate Action Award for her efforts.

A Unique Project

With around 339 million badminton players worldwide, countless birdies end up as waste. Most are made from materials that take a long time to break down, cluttering landfills and harming the environment. At tournaments, it’s common to see overflowing trash cans filled with these discarded items.

Anya and her friends, Christine Liang and Ivy Forchune, got creative. They collect broken birdies and use donated craft supplies to create keychains. Last year, they raised nearly $600, all donated to the World Wildlife Fund. They even run workshops where children learn to make their own keychains and share the message of reuse with their families.

Since launching in October 2024, they’ve expanded their designs and increased prices due to strong demand. What started as a small basement project has grown, attracting many volunteers. They plan to create a video tutorial for social media to inspire others to join in.

Inspiration and Challenges

Anya’s passion for this project sparked after watching a video about conservationist Julie Church. Church showcased how children in Kenya turn washed-up flip-flops into art. This motivated Anya to do something similar with discarded birdies. She enjoys crafting and found that birdies make light, fun keychains that are easy to create and sell.

However, balancing school and this project is tough. Anya often feels stressed trying to meet growing demand. She worries that she isn’t doing enough but is inspired by her grandparents, who exemplify kindness and community service.

Looking Forward

Anya believes that educating youth on environmental issues can empower them. She hopes more people will question how they play sports sustainably. The world is realizing that protecting the environment is essential for everyone’s well-being.

She envisions a future where energy is affordable, gardens provide healthy food, and air and water are clean. Her message to young people is simple: don’t give up. Even small efforts can cause ripples of change. To older generations, she appeals for support, emphasizing the need for collaboration in scaling up sustainable initiatives.

The Bigger Picture

Anya’s work sheds light on a larger trend. Many young people are becoming environmentally conscious and engaging in sustainability efforts. According to a recent survey by the National Environmental Education Foundation, 77% of young adults believe their actions can influence others’ views on climate issues. This shift shows that the future may indeed lie in the hands of motivated youth.

Anya’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity and community. It shows how art, awareness, and action can come together to create positive change for our planet. By transforming waste into art, she’s not just making keychains; she’s crafting a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

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