First Weeks at VeryNile – Salma Hassaan, MFA Digital+Media 27′

My first few weeks at VeryNile have focused on becoming familiar with the community and environment of Qursaya Island. Each day begins with making my way to Bahr Al-Azam in Cairo, then crossing the Nile by boat to reach the island. Finding my way around the island and getting to know the women of the local community has helped me better understand the social context surrounding VeryNile’s work. From my first day at VeryNile, everyone was welcoming and made me feel like part of the team.

During these weeks, I focused on learning about the processes VeryNile uses to recycle and upcycle plastic collected from the Nile. The main materials I have been introduced to are HDPE and LDPE plastics. Each material requires a different method of transformation. HDPE plastic, such as bottle caps, is shredded, melted, and compressed into solid sheets. These sheets are then cut with a CNC machine to create products such as keychains and buttons. LDPE plastic is processed by layering and fusing lightweight plastic bags with heat. Through ironing, the bags become a stronger fabric-like material. This material can be sewn and combined with discarded fabrics to create bags, accessories, and other functional objects.

Now I am much more familiar with recycled plastic as a material with its own qualities and challenges through this process. For instance, the plastic comes in different thicknesses and colors, and how such factors can affect the final result. One of my learning goals is to become more comfortable experimenting with these variables and documenting what works. I also had the opportunity to visit the VeryNile shop, where many products made through these recycling and upcycling processes are displayed. The shop is located on the rooftop beside Shoka w Megdaf, VeryNile’s community kitchen. The kitchen hosts visitors and creates a space where we gather and share meals. Eating together with the team and community has been one of the highlights of my experience. VeryNile’s work extends far beyond cleaning the Nile, it mainly focuses on building relationships and supporting the livelihoods of the Qursaya Island community.

I have also started researching new possibilities for working with LDPE plastic. Since the fused material has qualities similar to fabric, I am exploring how it can be layered and woven in different ways. My own practice often involves textiles, material experimentation, and installation. I am discovering how these methods can overlap with VeryNile’s current processes. I look forward to continuing to learn from the women of the community while collaboratively testing new techniques. These first weeks have shown me that sustainability and environmental change begin with an initiative and grow through communal hard work.