The Liquida Brand: Crafting Sustainable Products from Discarded Coconut Shells in Nigeria

The Liquida Brand is redefining how we view waste—especially coconut shells—by turning them into functional, handcrafted items. Did you know that the rough shell at the back of a coconut, the one most people toss aside, can be turned into a serving bowl, a pendant, or even a spoon?

In many Nigerian homes and markets, coconut shells are seen as waste. They’re usually discarded without thought, left to pile up, or burned. However, a quiet shift is happening, one that speaks to a more mindful and sustainable way of living. The Liquida Brand, based in Lagos, is part of that shift.

Through patience, local sourcing, and hands-on creativity, the brand is reimagining what we do with what we often throw away. It’s more than just craft. It’s a local example of how sustainable living in Nigeria can start with small ideas and lead to real impact.

 

Get to Know The Liquida Brand

At its core, The Liquida Brand is a handmade product studio that creates everyday items using coconut shells, yes, the hard, discarded outer shells of coconuts that often end up in roadside waste bins.

The brand produces bowls, keychains, pendants, and even utensils, all of which are shaped by hand and made from materials that most people overlook. Each item is finished with care, often polished using simple, natural tools instead of chemicals or machines.

But this isn’t about novelty. It’s about showing that what’s available around us is enough to make something functional and even beautiful. In a market flooded with plastic and imports, this brand offers a different option: durable, functional items that proudly showcase Nigerian heritage.

 

Reusing Coconut Shells: A Local Solution to a Growing Problem

Nigeria generates an overwhelming amount of organic waste, and most of it ends up in landfills or is burned, contributing to pollution and poor air quality. Coconut shells are part of that pile.

But what if those shells could be reused?

That question lies at the heart of The Liquida Brand’s work. By transforming waste into items people can use, the brand contributes directly to eco-friendly living in Nigeria without relying on large-scale recycling systems.

This type of solution, which wastes resources, is both simple and effective. It leverages what we already have and doesn’t wait for big government programmes to take shape. And that’s why it fits so well into broader conversations around sustainable living in Nigeria.

 

The Handmade Process: A Return to Intentional Work

Everything starts with the collection of discarded coconut shells, often sourced from local markets or coconut oil producers. The shells are then soaked, cleaned, and dried before the real work begins.

Shaping the shells takes time. They are carefully cut and sanded down, often using handheld tools to bring out a smooth, workable surface. No two items come out the same, but they all reflect a consistent style: simple, practical, and clean.

This kind of work demands time and care. It’s not industrial, and it’s not rushed. But that’s the point. The final items don’t just look natural, they are natural, down to the materials and methods used.

It’s a quiet reminder that conscious consumption isn’t only about what we buy, it’s about how it’s made, who makes it, and where it comes from.

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Functional Pieces, Not Just Decor

One of the most impressive parts of The Liquida Brand’s approach is that its products are usable. The bowls hold snacks. The spoons can be used. The pendants are lightweight and wearable. These aren’t souvenirs or showpieces. They’re everyday items.

That’s important because it moves the conversation beyond aesthetics. A product doesn’t have to look “eco-friendly” to be part of a sustainable lifestyle. It just needs to serve its purpose, last longer, and avoid adding to the waste problem.

In a city like Lagos, where plastic pollution is ubiquitous, having access to well-made, reusable alternatives is crucial. And this brand offers that without pretending to be perfect. It just does the work, quietly and clearly.

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A Case for Creative Sustainability in Nigeria

There’s a lot of talk about sustainability in Nigeria, but very few local businesses embody it in practice. Many rely on imported materials, packaged branding, and mass production because that’s what seems scalable.

But brands like Liquida prove another point: that creative sustainability is possible when you start with local materials and build with intention.

It’s not about trends. It’s about making something honest with what’s available. And it’s about knowing that sustainability isn’t a finished goal, it’s a series of small, thoughtful choices made every day.

 

Why This Matters for the Future

Nigeria is already facing a waste management crisis. Recycling systems are limited. Waste separation barely exists. And yet, the creativity is here.

If more local makers think like Liquida, reusing organic materials, focusing on functionality, and building slowly, it could lead to a more sustainable approach. Still, intentionally sustainable living in Nigeria could move from idea to action in a very real way.

It’s not just about reducing waste. It’s about proving that what we usually ignore has value. And if that idea takes hold, there’s no limit to the kind of businesses, solutions, and lifestyles that can grow from it.

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FAQs

1. What is sustainable living in Nigeria?

Sustainable living in Nigeria involves reducing waste, utilising local resources efficiently, and promoting eco-friendly practices such as recycling and reuse.

2. How is The Liquida Brand promoting sustainability?

By creating handmade items from coconut shells, the Liquida Brand shows how local waste can be turned into useful, everyday products.

3. Are coconut shell products safe to use?

Yes. They are cleaned and polished naturally, making them safe for use with dry food and everyday handling.

4. Where can I find eco-friendly products in Nigeria?

You can find eco-friendly products from local brands, such as The Liquida Brand, on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

5. Can handmade products make a real difference in waste reduction?

Yes. Handmade products that reuse materials, such as coconut shell crafts, help reduce reliance on plastic and imported goods.