Skip to main content
17-25 October 2026

Hidden Potential of Materials

From Waste to Wonder Workshops

Hosted by Jamie van Duuren

This project is now archived and was part of DDW26

This project is part of
Hidden Potential - what else is possible?
→
From Waste to Wonder
From Waste to Wonder
Paolo de Nova
Interactive workshops where waste is transformed into toys, objects and new ideas about circularity. The focus is on experimentation, creativity and discovering new ways of looking at materials.

What is it about?

"From Waste to Wonder" is an interactive, hands-on workshop where children transform bio-waste, such as coffee grounds, potato starch, and casein, into biodegradable compostable toys. By engaging in a creative design process, participants foster environmental awareness, circular thinking, and problem-solving skills, making sustainability accessible, educational, and fun for the next generation.

The workshop follows a guided six-step process, encouraging children to explore material life cycles and understand the impact of waste. Through experiential learning, they actively participate in crafting recipes, shaping toys, and reimagining waste as a valuable resource.

Unlike traditional environmental education, this project emphasizes making over passive learning. It bridges the gap between sustainability and creativity, inspiring a deeper connection with nature. By collaborating with schools, museums, and community centers, From Waste to Wonder fosters a new generation of environmentally-conscious thinkers, equipping them with the skills and mindset to tackle future ecological challenges.

Cooking the recipe
Cooking the recipe
Paolo de Nova
Making little bio-waste cookies
Making little bio-waste cookies
Paolo de Nova

By

Jamie van Duuren

Hosted by

Hidden Potential Collective
[email protected]
06 20 75 46 89
Visit website
Download press kit

About Jamie van Duuren

I'm Jamie, a product designer passionate about sustainability and social impact. Specializing in bio-design and alternative materials, I explore eco-friendly solutions through hands-on experimentation, inspiring creativity and environmental responsibility in future generations.

As featured in