Lamma Cafe in Tripoli Promotes Recycling and Sustainability

In the heart of Tripoli, Libya, a remarkable cafe named "Lamma" is making waves by championing recycling and sustainability. This innovative establishment stands out not just for its sleek exterior but for its vibrant interior, which is entirely constructed from recycled materials. In a country that has faced years of conflict, Lamma serves as a beacon of hope, promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle in a region where such initiatives are few and far between.

The name "Lamma" translates to "gathering" or "hangout" in Arabic, and it has quickly become a cultural hub for both locals and visitors. The cafe features an art gallery that showcases the talents of Libyan artists and hosts various events and workshops. However, the primary mission of Lamma, as articulated by its founder, Louay Omran Burwais, is to raise awareness about the importance of living sustainably.

Burwais, an architect by profession, explained, "We use materials that were abandoned in the streets, such as rubber from tires, wood from trees, and construction waste" to create the cafe. His vision is to demonstrate that items often deemed as trash can still hold value. This message is particularly significant in Libya, where the aftermath of war has left many grappling with the challenges of rebuilding their lives.

Since the NATO-backed uprising that led to the fall of dictator Muammar Qaddafi, Libya has been embroiled in conflict, with power divided between a UN-recognized government and a rival authority in the east. Amidst this turmoil, Lamma stands as a testament to resilience and creativity.

Upon entering Lamma, visitors are welcomed by a stunning array of colors and shapes. The walls adorned with plants contrast beautifully with a web of suspended metal scraps, alcoves, and slide tunnels that delight children. Roula Ajjawi, the art director at Lamma, remarked, "There are no places like this in Libya. We base everything on one aspect that we consider very important: recycling." This unique approach not only attracts families but also encourages children to engage in art workshops held every Thursday, marking the beginning of the Libyan weekend.

In addition to workshops, Lamma offers a small library where visitors can borrow books, fostering a sense of community and learning. Burwais hopes that the cafe will inspire a shift towards recycling and other eco-friendly practices in Libya, where such initiatives are currently non-existent. He noted, "Visitors to Lamma will recognize familiar everyday objects repurposed throughout the space, but they will start seeing them differently. We are here to foster a new mindset."

Ajjawi highlighted the pressing issue of waste in Libya, stating that plastic, metal, and glass remnants from over a decade of civil war are rarely reused or recycled. Instead, they often end up abandoned in nature or on the streets, occasionally washed into the Mediterranean Sea by rain and wind. However, with initiatives like Lamma, discarded items are transformed into works of art, a concept that is beginning to resonate with the local community.

Regular patrons like Riyad Youssef express their appreciation for Lamma, stating, "I love this place. The food is great, the service is excellent, and I appreciate the commitment to reducing waste. Every idea here is amazing." This sentiment reflects a growing awareness and appreciation for sustainability in Libya, a country that is slowly but surely finding its way back to normalcy.

Lamma is not just a cafe; it is a movement towards a more sustainable future in Libya. By transforming waste into art and fostering a community around eco-friendly practices, Lamma is paving the way for a new mindset in a country that desperately needs it. As more people embrace the idea of recycling and sustainability, the hope is that such initiatives will flourish, leading to a cleaner and greener Libya for generations to come.