Lamma: A Libyan Cafe Promoting Recycling and Sustainability

Lamma is a cafe in Tripoli, Libya, focusing on sustainability and recycling. Constructed from recycled materials, it aims to raise awareness of an eco-friendly lifestyle after years of conflict. The cafe features an art gallery, hosts workshops, and repurposes discarded items, emphasizing the value of recycling. Lamma fosters a new mindset towards waste reduction in the community.

In the capital of Libya, a cafe named Lamma is standing out for its commitment to sustainability and recycling. Constructed entirely from recycled materials, the cafe aims to promote awareness concerning eco-friendly practices in a nation recovering from extensive conflict. The cafe’s owner emphasizes its mission to advocate for an environment-friendly lifestyle amidst a landscape where such initiatives are minimal.

Lamma, deriving its name from the Arabic word meaning “gathering” or “hangout,” has evolved into a cultural center for both locals and visitors. It features an art gallery showcasing the works of Libyan artists while also hosting various events and workshops. The founder, Louay Omran Burwais, underscores the importance of utilizing discarded materials such as rubber, wood, and construction waste in the cafe’s design to demonstrate their inherent value.

Libya’s tragic history of conflict began after a NATO-backed uprising that resulted in the overthrow of dictator Muammar Qaddafi, leading to a fractured governance system. Despite the instability, Lamma offers a colorful and engaging space for the community. Visitors encounter vibrant, plant-covered walls and inventive uses of metal waste, contributing to a unique atmosphere unlike any available elsewhere in Libya.

The cafe also serves as a venue for family-friendly activities, particularly art workshops for children on Thursdays, marking the beginning of the Libyan weekend. Borrowing books from the venue’s small library further enriches the community experience. Burwais hopes that the establishment of recycling initiatives can inspire a shift in mindset toward waste-conscious practices in Libya, which currently lacks recycling facilities.

Prominent items of everyday life, once perceived as waste, are creatively repurposed throughout Lamma, encouraging visitors to reassess their views about discarded materials. Ajjawi, Lamma’s art director, notes that remnants from civil war damage often end up neglected in nature instead of being creatively reused. However, projects like Lamma are paving the way for a cultural shift as they convert potential landfill debris into meaningful artworks.

Frequent patrons, such as Riyad Youssef, appreciate the cafe’s commitment to sustainability, praising the quality of food and service. Youssef emphasizes that each concept at Lamma reflects a commendable dedication to minimizing waste, thereby promoting a sustainable community ethos.

Lamma stands as a beacon of sustainability within Libya, creatively repurposing discarded materials to foster an understanding of eco-consciousness among its patrons. Through art, workshops, and community engagement, the cafe is successfully redefining waste. As Libya navigates its recovery from conflict, initiatives like Lamma are crucial in inspiring change, promoting a mindset where recycling and a commitment to the environment are valued and celebrated.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com