At just 17 years old, Alex Wigisser is making waves in his community through innovative recycling efforts, particularly with his upcycled bench project. His journey began with a deep concern for the environment, particularly the growing issue of plastic waste.
"Observing the vast amounts of plastic discarded daily, I was driven to repurpose this waste into something not only useful but also visually impactful," Alex shares. His bench not only serves a practical purpose but also acts as a conversation starter and a symbol of sustainability.
Turning Trash into Treasure 
Alex's involvement with the Precious Plastics project at Carmel School stemmed from a desire to take action. "I discovered the Precious Plastics initiative online, which led to proposing the idea to my school alongside my brother," he explains. With the school's support, they established a small recycling workshop that adopted the project's techniques and goals.
The bench itself is crafted primarily from recycled plastics, specifically PET bottles and packaging materials commonly found in schools. Alex chose these materials for their availability and ease of processing. However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. "One of the most demanding tasks was perfecting the process of melting and molding plastic," he recounts. It took 20 trials to produce a single beam that met their stringent standards for strength and uniformity.
Transforming the Community Mindset 
The impact of the upcycled bench on the school community has been profound. “It was fundamentally about illustrating how problems can be transformed into innovative solutions,” Alex notes. By reimagining discarded plastic as a valuable resource, he has inspired others to rethink their perceptions of waste. This project has sparked meaningful conversations about recycling and sustainability, encouraging a more environmentally conscious mindset throughout the community.
A Vision for Combining Sustainability and Innovation
Looking ahead, Alex is eager to blend sustainability with business and engineering in his university studies. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a mindset that seeks opportunities to integrate environmental stewardship with practical applications. “I want to potentially impact areas such as urban planning or renewable energy sectors,” he reveals.
When asked about a fun product he would create using upcycled materials, Alex responds with enthusiasm: "If I could transform any item into a fun, upcycled product, I’d probably make phone cases." His innovative spirit continues to shine through, showcasing how creativity can lead to sustainable solutions.
Creative Roots: A Game for Connection
Alex's creativity isn't limited to recycling. Along with his brother Gabriel, he has previously embarked on another innovative project that showcases their entrepreneurial spirit. The idea emerged during a family dinner when their cousin’s wife, Gloriana, shared her struggles after being released from quarantine. Inspired by her experience, they learned about Costa Rican psychologist Cristina Gomar, who had created Vasoterapia, a card game designed to spark deep conversations.
With Gomar’s support, Alex and Gabriel developed a Hong Kong edition of the game, aptly named Q! This game aims to strengthen connections and encourage meaningful conversations among hotel guests, both during quarantine and beyond. Their initiative highlights how creativity can be harnessed to foster community and connection in challenging times.
Inspiring Change Through Action
Alex Wigisser’s journey exemplifies the power of youth activism and innovation in addressing environmental challenges. His upcycled bench is more than just furniture; it’s a testament to the positive change that can arise from creative thinking and collaboration. Through projects like this, Alex is not only making a difference in his community but also inspiring others to embrace sustainability.
