Adejoke Lasisi, an Ibadan-born fashion designer and environmentalist, is redefining the relationship between waste and creativity. From humble beginnings in southwestern Nigeria, she has emerged as a leader in sustainable fashion, transforming discarded materials into high-value products. Through Planet 3R, she weaves waste into valuable eco-friendly items. But Lasisi’s passion for weaving didn’t start recently; it started early.
“Many of you know I started Planet 3R in 2020 at age 33,” she shares. “But the journey began much earlier—I started weaving at nine.”
Grounded in the traditional art of Yoruba textile weaving, she honed her skills and developed a knack for intricate, beautiful designs.
As Lasisi’s craft evolved, so did her environmental awareness. While the streets of Ibadan overflowed with plastic sachets used for water and textile waste from local markets—pollution that threatened both public health and the environment— Lasisi recognised an opportunity to fuse her creativity to combat waste. So, she began experimenting with recycling techniques, weaving discarded materials like plastic and fabric scraps into eco-friendly designs.
This experimentation led to the launch of Planet 3R in 2020. The social enterprise is built on the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle principles. It aims to transform waste into sustainable products and empower communities through skill development. Its product line includes fashion accessories, home décor, and practical items for low—and middle-income consumers.
At its core, Planet 3R addresses Nigeria’s mounting waste crisis by upcycling plastic and textile waste into high-fashion pieces. The enterprise has recycled over 10,000 items, conducted 50 creative awareness programs, trained over 1,000 unemployed youths, and sensitised 4,300 students on recycling practices.
The founder’s efforts transcend product development. Through community outreach programs, Planet 3R educates residents on the dangers of improper waste disposal and encourages behavioural change. Plans are ongoing to establish recycling hubs across Nigeria to boost efficiency and production capacity.
In addition to Planet 3R, Adejoke Lasisi founded Jokelinks, a weaving school designed to teach the art of textile weaving. Jokelinks laid the foundation for many of Planet 3R’s creative projects, equipping individuals with skills combining craftsmanship and sustainability. Since its inception, the enterprise has employed 16 staff members and aims to expand its workforce to further combat unemployment and environmental degradation.
Lasisi overcomes hardships to build a legacy
Lasisi’s journey has not been without challenges. Reflecting on her past, she shared on social media: “I used to ask God why my family struggled so much. We hawked oranges and wara soya… My siblings even sold eggs at parks. It was tough back then.”
Despite these hardships, Lasisi’s commitment to sustainability has earned her significant recognition. She has secured grants from notable organizations, including the 2019 GEM grant, in collaboration with the World Bank and Nigeria’s federal government, and awards from Akin Alabi Business Grant, 7-Eleven Foundation, and BlackKnightNG. In 2019, she also received an NYEES grant from Nigeria’s Vice President at an event in Abuja.
Her accolades include the YALI Spirit Award (2015) and the ACE Awards for Best Indigenous Textile Designer for two consecutive years.
The climate actor is breaking traditional fashion norms and inspiring the next generation of designers to reconsider their relationship with materials by merging creativity with environmental consciousness. Her work demonstrates how art, sustainability, and social impact coexist, turning waste into opportunity.
Through Planet 3R, Adejoke Lasisi is not just producing eco-friendly products—she’s building a movement that empowers individuals, reduces waste, and fosters economic growth. From the streets of Ibadan to the world stage, she proves that with vision and resilience, even the humblest beginnings can spark global change.
