G3 Makerspace workshop: Crafting new things from discarded plastic

Makerspace

With the goal of discovering innovative ways to repurpose waste, the Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub organized a plastic fusion workshop this month at CHamoru Village.

During the workshop, Abby Crain, the coordinator of G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub, demonstrated techniques to transform discarded plastic bags into wallets, purses, and pouches.

She explained plastic fusion as a process in which plastic sheets are melded together into a pattern using heat. Crain used specific types of plastic bags (#2, #4, or #5) for each project, along with patterns, parchment paper, and a flat iron as a heat source.

Proper heat application is crucial in plastic fusion, so participants were instructed to follow safety precautions, according to Crain.

At the beginning of the workshop, Phil Cruz, the sustainability coordinator at UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, helped participants understand the necessity of finding alternative uses for plastic waste.

Cruz emphasized that plastic waste not only mars the island’s landscape but also contaminates the oceans. Safeguarding the environment is paramount for an island community like Guam, as ocean-bound waste can infiltrate the food chain.

Plastics degrade into microplastics, which are ingested by fish. When these contaminated fish are consumed by other marine animals and humans, microplastics travel up the food chain, posing a threat to ecosystems and human health alike.

Moreover, culturally significant and endangered marine animals like the green and hawksbill sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for food since they resemble jellyfish.

“Not only is it (plastic waste) an eyesore but it also goes into our ocean. As an island community, we must do our utmost to protect our environment,” Cruz said.

While plastic pollution is a common concern in the community, Guam also faces challenges in proper waste management and recycling due to the global collapse of the plastic recycling industry in 2020. Consequently, shipping plastics off the island is no longer viable, according to Cruz.

“Therefore, the island community must find creative solutions,” he added.

The concept of Zero Waste becomes crucial in this context, involving the reduction of landfill waste by being mindful of consumption and waste generation, according to Cruz.

With this in mind, workshops are held at the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub to repurpose discarded plastics, shaping them into new and useful items.

Additionally, the hub utilizes precious plastic machines to break down specific plastics and mold them into innovative products.

These initiatives reflect Guam’s commitment to addressing its plastic problem while actively involving the community in sustainable practices.

September 8, 2023December 31, 2024

Plastics drive kicks off at G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub

Makerspace

Every Wednesday from 3pm to 8pm is the dedicated time for people to drop off their
clean #2 and #5 plastic containers at House 114 (formerly the Chocolate Factory).

These plastic donations will become part of the circular economy diverting waste from the landfill that can be recycled into products with Makerspace machines that transform the plastics into new and useful products.

Make a difference and become part of the circular economy.

Reduce, Reuse, and
Recycle!

For more information, please call (671) 683-7715.

July 28, 2023December 31, 2024

G3 Makerspace hosts Lil Sprouts camp with GSC

Makerspace

The Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub hosted students of the Guahan Sustainable Culture Lil Sprouts Academy this month.

The group was welcomed into the lessons by the Hub team and were introduced the concept of the circular economy.

“It is always great to give the children an explanation of what the circular economy is and how important it is when planning for our island’s future,” said Joseph Certeza from the G3 Hub. “They are excited to learn more and how they can help our island be more sustainable.”

The group of over twenty students also took part in various activities including Mawar Tangrams, an Organic Exercise and a full tour of the makerspace.

During the tour the group got up close and personal with the Hub’s wide array of tools and machines that have helped many business owners, students and community members create sustainable products for sale or projects.

The Lil Sprouts Academy is a summer program hosted by the Guahan Sustainable Culture organization headquartered at the CHamoru Village in Hagatna, also the home of the Hub.

June 13, 2023December 31, 2024

Gallery: CHamoru Village cleanup work by G3CC

Makerspace

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps joined the CHamoru Village community in the cleanup efforts at the Hagatna landmark.

The group helped remove blown down trees and shrubbery along with other debris that blew into the iconic area.

CHamoru Village is also the home to the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub.

May 6, 2023December 31, 2024

G3 unveils Art Corps, lineup features emerging and seasoned artists

Makerspace

The Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative and the University of Guam launched their inaugural Art Corps program at the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub. The G3 Art Corps aims to provide a platform for artistic expression while promoting island sustainability.

For the program’s first cohort, G3 selected eight talented artists to collectively design, plan, and execute public murals on Guam. These murals will highlight the island’s journey towards achieving sustainability by 2030, as outlined by the G3 Action Framework and the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The chosen artists include Ariel Dimalanta, Kamaka Aquino, Frank “Kie” Susuico, Corina Benavente, Baptist Bell, Ha’ani Bettis, Geraldine Datuin, and Lucille Ronquillo.

Dimalanta has decades of experience as an artist, sculptor, and publisher. While semi-retired, he decided to join the Art Corps to make a difference. “It is time to give back to the community,” he said.

Each artist will receive a stipend in exchange for participating in capacity-building activities and collaborating with the team to create the murals. For two years, two cohorts will paint 17 murals to disseminate the message of sustainability and sustainable development to a broader audience.

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton stated that art is crucial for community engagement. “Today, we are bringing something new to the table; we have previously talked about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, Technology, Engineering, and Math before. That is about figuring out the science of our natural resources. But now we add an A in between. Art is important because this is the way that we can connect with our community.”

Meanwhile, UOG President Thomas Krise emphasized that the murals would encourage people to consider their environmental and sustainability impact. “This is another great G3 initiative,” he added.

Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio said that the project engages people and draws attention to the natural resources and beauty of the island, especially for younger generations.

The G3 Art Corps aligns with several UN SDGs, including Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, and Goal 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

The Governor’s Educational Assistance and Youth Empowerment Grant [Project Award S425H210004] provides support for the G3 Art Corps program.

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability was awarded $840,311.00 for the Guam Green Growth Education and G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub program as part of the Governor’s Education Assistance and Youth Empowerment Grant Program.

About G3

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability facilitates Guam Green Growth, or G3, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Guam and the G3 Working Group, whose members represent all sectors of society. With the UN SDGs and G3 Action Framework as a guide, G3 develops tangible solutions to sustainability challenges and contributes to a green economy for the island region.

December 12, 2022December 31, 2024

G3 and GSC launch first-ever Guam Grower’s Calendar to kick-off 2023

Makerspace

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability (CIS), Sea Grant, Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative, and the National Science Foundation EPSCoR program officially launched two community calendars for 2023 at the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub.

More than just a tool for organizing and tracking important dates, Austin Shelton, Ph.D., director of Sea Grant and Center for Island Sustainability, said the new calendars highlight information that promotes a land and sea approach to food sustainability.

“We import over 90 percent of all the food and goods we consume, and we want to reduce that number. The tide chart calendar shows how to catch more local fish and use our abundant local resources in our pelagic areas and the deep ocean. And with the grower’s calendar, we are showing how we can cultivate our land — starting with our own backyard — help community gardens, and bring more local food to families,” Shelton said.

The Guam Grower’s Calendar (Fanha’aniyan Manåmon Guåhan) features photos of fresh local produce. It also includes the CHamoru lunar seasons, growing tips, and pest and disease management guides. The UOG team partnered with Guåhan Sustainable Culture (GSC) for the publication.

The Tide Chart Calendar features photos of some of Guam’s best rod and reel catches, which were selected from locally submitted entries from a photo call-out in August. In addition, the calendar includes information about moon phases and sustainable fishing tips. It also features local tide charts provided by the UOG Marine Laboratory.

“Our publications team and our partners have worked hard to bring amazing information to our children and our community. This is something that we have talked about — a lot of folks are looking at ways to help people grow and catch their own food. So, both calendars are definitely going to help in those areas,” said Kyle Mandapat, assistant director for communications at Sea Grant and Center for Island Sustainability.

The two calendars are the first two deliverables from a UOG Sea Grant and Center for Island Sustainability project that focuses on developing and delivering place-based educational resources in marine, environmental, and sustainability sciences. The project received funding from the Governor’s Education Assistance and Youth Empowerment Grant program.

“We are excited and appreciative about all the work that has been put into this project to be able to give locally produced materials to our students,” Sylvia Calvo, GDOE school program consultant, said at the launching.

The community can get copies of the calendars at the UOG Sea Grant office or the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub at the CHamoru Village. A digital version of the calendars can also be downloaded at uog.edu/seagrant.

September 28, 2022December 31, 2024

Corporate responsibility workshop leads social lesson at Innovation Hub

Makerspace

The Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub played host to a Corporate Social Responsibility workshop featuring Ericka Anderson, co-founder of the Guam Human Rights Initiative.

According to Anderson, social legitimacy and capital are both key measures of a group’s standing in their community.

“A company exists because society allows it to exist,” explained Anderson. “Social legitimacy is the relationship you have with society, and social capital is more of a manifestation effect.”

Anderson says that organizations can see their social capital levels change throughout their existence.

“You can build social capital, or you could lose social capital,” added Anderson. “You build it by having a positive impact on your society.”

The workshop was a part of an ongoing series of development and education for local businesses offered at the Innovation Hub in the CHamoru Village in partnership with the University of Guam Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Anderson also presented at the University of Guam School of Business and Public Administration.

“Corporate Social Responsibility is when corporations and organizations self-regulate themselves as citizens within the community and they aim to contribute to goals of philanthropy, activism and charity,” said Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Coordinator Myracle Mugol. “It’s when a company takes a positive role in the community, and they consider the environmental and social impact of their decisions and practices.”

Ten local businesses and organizations confirmed participation in the workshop and sent representatives who learned about local implementation of CSR strategies and practices.

For more information on upcoming workshop schedules visit www.guamgreengrowth.com.

August 31, 2022December 31, 2024

G3 Innovation Hub workshop allows community to make art and learn about traditional medicine

Makerspace

The premise of this workshop involved thinking about ways participants could adorn themselves with imagery reminiscent of Guam.

“Sometimes when we would go on hikes here such as Litekyan or to different family homes, we would go to the jungle and ask for permission. The folks from that land would give us leaves called pupulu aniti, or “spirit leaf.” You wear it on your body as protection close to your chest and heart,” said Ablao. — The premise of this workshop involved thinking about ways participants could adorn themselves with imagery reminiscent of Guam. “Sometimes when we would go on hikes here such as Litekyan or to different family homes, we would go to the jungle and ask for permission. The folks from that land would give us leaves called pupulu aniti, or “spirit leaf.” You wear it on your body as protection close to your chest and heart,” said Ablao.

As part of the fourth installment of the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub’s “Seed Talk Sessions,” the facility held a printmaking workshop facilitated by Roldy Aguero Ablao, a queer mixed CHamoru artist and cultural practitioner who explores culture and identity through printmaking, fashion, and more.

The “Seed Talk Sessions” are a series of developmental opportunities offered by the facility in which industry professionals engage island community members to stimulate creativity and encourage local entrepreneurship.

The premise of this workshop involved thinking about ways participants could adorn themselves with imagery reminiscent of Guam.

“Sometimes when we would go on hikes here such as Litekyan or to different family homes, we would go to the jungle and ask for permission. The folks from that land would give us leaves called pupulu aniti, or “spirit leaf.” You wear it on your body as protection close to your chest and heart,” said Ablao. “I found that very sacred, but it also changed the way I related to the land around me. It made me walk a little more gently. It made me breathe a little more deeply because now the land is on me and I am part of the land. We are always part of the land.”

According to Ablao, the steam created by boiling these ferns can help decrease congestion. He added that he would gather these ferns from a friend’s house or a neighbor’s yard and paint them onto shirts to always have a remnant of the land with him.

Participants prepared for the workshop by going on an åmot walk in which they gathered medical plants within the Paseo area. During the walk, they harvested climbing ferns (kahlao) growing on a tree, half-flower (nanåsu) fruit and flowers from the beach strand, as well as leaves from a noni plant near a sidewalk.

After, they reconvened at the G3 Makerspace and made prints of using the materials they gathered by painting onto flowers and stamping them onto a piece of cloth or painting the outline of leaves.

The workshop ended with a chant recited by Ablao and Joseph Certeza, the G3 Makerspace attendant.

When asked about what advice he would give to aspiring creators, Ablao said, “The first word that comes to me is inagofli’e’ which means “to see” or “witness with care.” I want creators to see ourselves with care and know that our stories are worth it even if others do not see that.”

Participants prepared for the workshop by going on an åmot walk in which they gathered medical plants within the Paseo area. During the walk, they harvested climbing ferns (kahlao) growing on a tree, half-flower (nanåsu) fruit and flowers from the beach strand, as well as leaves from a noni plant near a sidewalk. After, they reconvened at the G3 Makerspace and made prints of using the materials they gathered by painting onto flowers and stamping them onto a piece of cloth or painting the outline of leaves.

July 14, 2022July 14, 2022

Comic publisher inspires artists in first Seedtalk Session event at Makerspace

Makerspace

During a presentation at the G3 innovation hub, Munson talked about her journey creating a sustainable art career. After, she facilitated a workshop in which she taught and encouraged participants to tell their own stories in a short format.

The Guam Green Growth (G3) Makerspace welcomed Jean Marie Munson, a Guam-raised publisher, cartoonist, podcaster, and educator as a facilitator of one of its latest workshops, the first in their recently launched “Seedtalk Sessions” series offered at the facility’s innovation hub in CHamoru Village on June 29, 2022.

Munson is a founding member of Plot Twist Publishing, a Nevada-based publishing house that specializes in comics. She is also a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Inspired by cartoons and comics such as Sailor Moon, Archie, and Peanuts, Munson developed an art style that reflected her identity and desire for diversity within media.

“What influences my art style is women empowerment, body positivity, and a lot of feminist themes,” said Munson. “I always have a sort of homage to Guam. In my dedications and branding, I would say that I’m from an island because I want people to know that great literature and art can come from a non-U.S. place.”

During a presentation at the G3 innovation hub, Munson talked about her journey creating a sustainable art career. After, she facilitated a workshop in which she taught and encouraged participants to tell their own stories in a short format.

Munson’s workshop is a part of a series of developmental opportunities provided by the G3 Makerspace in which industry professionals interact with island community members to stimulate creativity and encourage local entrepreneurship.

“The island has done a lot for me as a human being. Giving back is non-negotiable for me,” said Munson. “I want to spend this part of my life paying it forward and I really want to be part of the larger driving force that claims Guam as a creative hub and a place of innovation.”

May 24, 2022May 24, 2022

Guam Green Growth Makerspace wows crowds and welcomes new members at CHamoru Village Night Market

Makerspace

The community is invited to get a closer look at some of the equipment and services available at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub every Wednesday night during the CHamoru Village Night Market.

All three houses that make up the Makerspace and Innovation Hub including the Plastics House, the Green Store and the Workshop are all open and feature tours to for visitors who can leave the weekly event with a full stomach and what could be the start of their own small business.

“When people come in and check out our facilities, I love seeing the lights go off when ideas come to their minds,” said G3 Circular Economy Coordinator Myracle Mugol, who oversees the Makerspace. “We have such creative people on our island and when they come in here and see the tools they can have access to, it really motivates them to take that leap into entrepreneurship.”

Along with Mugol, herself an award-winning small business owner, the entire Makerspace team is comprised of small business owners ready to assist in growing the green economy.

“Our very experienced team is standing by and ready to answer any inquiries one might have about joining as a member of the Makerspace and Innovation Hub,” explained Mugol. “Members will have access to the CNC Routers, 3D printers and all the other tools for a membership fee that will still be way below the costs of having to buy the machines themselves and then have to ship them and house them here.”

Ryan Shane has often thought about starting his own business but never had access to the machinery that is available at the Makerspace before.

“It is really amazing to see this stuff here in Guam for the people to use,” said Shane. “I have priced this equipment out before, and I would need to really secure some loans before being able to buy them. Having this service and this membership opportunity will get me into production so I can make that money and eventually be able to buy (the equipment) on my own, hopefully.”

Members can also avail special rates for training courses and services according to Mugol.

“We have a month-to-month membership at fifty dollars, or we have an annual membership that gives you a thirty-three percent discount overall,” said Mugol. “As a member you will have access, special pricing for certain services and other benefits that pop up throughout the year.”

To see the membership packages and to enroll visit www.guamgreengrowth.org today or visit the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub at the CHamoru Village open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.