SUZANNE EBOU SAID

Beirut- Electronic waste (e-waste) represents about 3% of the total waste produced globally and more than 50 million metric tons of e-waste is generated globally every year. E-waste contains numerous chemicals harmful to human and ecological health.

Only 78 out of 193 are covered by an e-waste policy, legislation or regulation. Currently, only 17.4% of e-waste is known to be collected and properly recycled globally. CDs, which were widely used years ago, are made of polycarbonate plastic. These plastics are often more difficult to recycle. 17-year-old Tia Qaid Bey, a high school student in Beirut, recycles unused CDs into art to protect the environment.

Her aim is to protect the environment

Being interested in drawing and painting since her childhood, she told us her story.

“We had a bag full of unused CDs at home. CDs were not used because USB flash drivers started becoming popular. I found out how I could recycle e-waste by watching online videos. I decided to turn the unused CDs into paintings. My aim is to protect the environment by recycling unused CDs.”

‘I have made more than 1000 CD paintings’

She also told us how she paints CDs. “There are three stages. First, I draw a design and then scratch the design. Finally, I polish.” Tia Qaid Bey has been recycling unused CDs for two years. “I have made more than 1000 CD paintings and I have sold 65% of them through social media networks or in cooperation with environmental initiatives. I design symbols and logos according to demand.” Tia Qaid Bey has participated in several exhibitions to market her CD paintings. “In Spring, I will participate in an exhibition to be held in Gemmayze Street in Beirut.”

‘I want to register my brand name’

Tia Qaid Bey has recently made great efforts to register her brand name. “I want to register my brand name. I am currently interested in many topics, especially those related to women. I have been learning calligraphy by attending a course.”

‘I received fund from a feminist organization’

Tia Qaid Bey received a fund from a feminist organization in Lebanon since she is the only person recycling unused CDs into art. “I made CD paintings that express women’s issues on International Women’s Day.”