Creative Thinking for Climate Action

Naomi Lord, August 2024

At Creatives Now, we believe in the transformative power of art to drive social change. As an education-motivated, youth-led Community Interest Company (CIC) in Bolton, our mission is to harness the creativity and passion of young people to address critical issues like technological waste through innovative, art-based solutions. With a strong foundation in youth governance, we work closely with artists, cultural organisations, and environmental advocates—both locally and nationally—who are committed to protecting our planet.

Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future

Our latest Creative Thinking for Climate Action project is designed to educate, inspire, and empower young people to take an active role in environmental action.

We aim to:

• Promote Climate Awareness: Educate students about the environmental impact of electronic waste and the importance of recycling and reusing technology.

• Foster Creative Reuse: Transform non-recyclable electronic components into art materials, encouraging creative thinking and sustainable practices in schools and the community.

• Engage Youth in Action: Empower young people to lead environmental initiatives through artistic expression and community involvement.

• Strengthen Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local organisations, artists, and cultural institutions to create a supportive network for climate action.

Partnership with Recycle IT: Turning Waste into Opportunity

Our partnership with Recycle IT, a local organisation specialising in recycling and refurbishing computer equipment, is a cornerstone of this project. We encourage schools to collect unused or outdated electronics, which Recycle IT refurbishes for community use at affordable prices. Non-usable components are diverted from landfills, with valuable materials like precious metals reclaimed. In collaboration with Recycle IT and local artists, we repurpose non-recyclable elements into free art supplies for schools, community groups, and studios, fostering creativity while promoting sustainability.

Bolton Schools Exhibition: Showcasing Creativity and Environmental Action

The project will culminate in a Bolton-wide schools exhibition, where students will showcase their creative works made from repurposed electronic materials. This exhibition will serve as a public demonstration of how art can intersect with environmental action, inspiring greater participation and awareness within the community.

Looking Ahead: Building a Sustainable Future Together

The Creative Thinking for Climate Action project by Creatives Now is more than just an initiative; it’s a movement. By combining art, education, and environmental action, we are empowering a new generation of young leaders to address the challenges of technological waste and climate change. With the continued support of Bolton School, Bolton at Home and our community partners, we are confident that this project will inspire lasting change and set a precedent for sustainable, creative action in Bolton and beyond.

Creatives Now values long-term partnership arrangements with organisations ranging from local to international. We are dedicated to creating mutually beneficial schemes that foster meaningful projects for our partners and the local community. By collaborating closely, we aim to develop initiatives that not only enhance organisational goals but also contribute positively to the cultural and social fabric of our community. Find out more here.