Churchill Fellowship winner Brad Mashman’s top tip for turning trash to treasure

They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure but the director of Recovery Tas says rubbish can be educational art too.

Brad Mashman has been awarded a Churchill Fellowship for research into waste management. With Mr Mashman are fellow workers, son Zac and Brad’s partner Rena Dare. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

THEY say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure but director of Recovery Tas — also known as the Glenorchy Tip Shop — says rubbish can be educational art too.

The shop has been in business for 25 years. At its entrance is a sculpture made from mesh and scrap plastic, a sculpture by Ben Beames about the environmental hazard of discarded plastic.

HOMAGE TO THE ART OF THE DISCARDED

It is the start of a trail of artworks commissioned by the Recovery Shop’s directors Brad Mashman, his partner Rena Dare and Brad’s son, Zac.

Mr Mashman trained as an industrial designer and he wants people to turn away from the throwaway culture to an enlightened re-use culture.

Brad Mashman has been awarded a Churchill Fellowship for research into waste management. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

The artworks have become part of a program for schools visiting the shop.

At the end of each visit, students are asked to personally commit to work towards a sustainable future.

PUSH FOR SCHOOL CANTEEN REVOLUTION

In September, Mr Mashman’s pioneering work in waste reduction was recognised with a Churchill Fellowship.

That will allow the couple to fly to Europe in April.

“We will be sharing what we know and learning from others. We will investigate government, community and commercial waste reduction models in Sweden, Belgium, France and the UK,” Mr Mashman said.