"From a tiny seed… a vision grows"

Joshua Flintoff (19) and Courtney Smith (20) are two young Perth guys on the Autism Spectrum.

What began as a simple recycling activity several years ago, has now diversified into a wonderfully creative and meaningful enterprise that benefits the lives of Josh and Courtney, as well as the community and environment in which we all live.

Inspired by Wall-e The Recycling Robot and Thomas the Really Useful Tank Engine, this innovative, sustainable and environmentally friendly enterprise has enabled both Josh and Courtney to establish valued roles in their respective local communities as well as explore their creative recycling skills.

With the guidance and support of their families, dedicated support teams and various wonderful members of the community, Josh and Courtney collect a variety of unsold and used newspapers, boxes and bubble wrap each week from local business. The Newspapers are transformed into a variety of gorgeous recycled and uniquely handmade PaperArt products. The boxes and bubble wrap are re-used for packaging and any excess recycling waste is taken to the local tip to be appropriately deposited or upcycled.

By engaging their very specific interests and skill set, their mums Deb and Del have paved the way for Josh and Courtney to take the incredibly effective adage of "Reduce, Re-use, Recycle" to the next level, enabling the guys to have both a strong sense of purpose and valued role in their local and wider community.

Over the last 18 months, Josh and Courtney have built a loyal following for their recycled newspaper PaperArt creations through their facebook page, www.facebook.com/thereallyusefulrecyclersWA.

They have attended several markets with the guidance of their families and support team, displayed pieces in a few local community Art Exhibitions, and also appeared in several newspaper articles about their really useful recycling talents!

Joshua Flintoff and Courtney Smith
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