Cosplay, a portmanteau of “costume” and “play,” has become a vibrant subculture within the global fan communities of anime, manga, video games, and comics. This creative hobby, where enthusiasts dress up as their favorite characters, offers more than just entertainment and a means of expression. After our first 3 events, we began leveraging the medium to promote conversations about important issues such as recycling, upcycling, and environmental stewardship. This is our story so far about how we believe cosplay can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and encouraging sustainable practices.
The Intersection of Cosplay and Environmentalism
Cosplay, at its core, is about creativity and transformation. It involves crafting costumes, accessories, and props, often from scratch or repurposed materials. This aspect of cosplay naturally aligns with the principles of recycling and upcycling. By reusing materials that might otherwise be discarded, cosplayers can reduce waste and minimize their environmental footprint.
Moreover, our budding cosplay community is characterized by a mix of strong DIY ethic and cosplays that are ordered. Many cosplayers take pride in making their costumes by hand, saving money and allowing for a personal connection to the craft. This do-it-yourself approach can be extended to environmental practices, where cosplayers learn to appreciate the value of materials and the benefits of repurposing. For most Zimbabweans accessibility is a major contributor to the push for cosplays made from scratch; it’s not as easy to order a cosplay and sometimes it’s just not affordable.
Promoting Recycling Through Cosplay
Recycling is a fundamental aspect of environmental conservation, and cosplay can play a significant role in promoting this practice. Many cosplayers already engage in recycling by using second-hand items, such as old clothing, accessories, or household items, to create their costumes. This not only saves money but also gives new life to otherwise discarded materials.

As OTAKUKON we plan to further encourage recycling by hosting workshops and panels that teach cosplayers how to source materials sustainably. These sessions will cover topics like choosing eco-friendly fabrics, using non-toxic paints, and repurposing household items into costume props. By providing this knowledge, cosplay events can help attendees make more environmentally conscious choices.
Our first foray into such workshops was in a mini-event we held in partnership with Magamba Network‘s Shoko Festival last year. We challenged two previous winners from our cosplay competitions to make upcycled cosplays within 30 days. They did not disappoint. On top of hoping that the program becomes a recurring event, we would like to contribute more to climate issues in a way only we can.
Upcycling in Cosplay: Creativity Meets Sustainability
Upcycling, the process of transforming waste materials into new, high-quality products, is a perfect fit for cosplay. The imaginative nature of costume design often requires unique and creative solutions, making upcycling a natural choice. Cosplayers can turn old or unused items into intricate costumes and props, showcasing their creativity while promoting sustainability.
For example, a cosplayer might use old plastic bottles to create armor or accessories or turn cardboard boxes into detailed weaponry. By doing so, they not only reduce the demand for new materials but also highlight the potential of upcycling to others. We have seen this practice can be particularly impactful when cosplayers share their upcycled creations at our events or when others see them online. It really does a good job of inspiring others to adopt similar practices.
Moreover, upcycling allows for the creation of unique and one-of-a-kind costumes that stand out in a crowd. This uniqueness can be a powerful motivator, as cosplayers often seek to differentiate themselves through their craft. By embracing upcycling, they can create distinctive costumes that also carry a message of sustainability.
Raising Environmental Awareness Through Themed Cosplay
Cosplay can also be a medium for raising awareness about environmental issues directly. Some cosplayers and event organizers have started to integrate environmental themes into their costumes and events. For example, costumes based on characters who are protectors of nature or themed events focused on environmental sustainability can draw attention to these critical issues.
One creative example is cosplayers dressing as “eco-warrior” versions of their favorite characters, incorporating recycled or upcycled materials into their costumes. These eco-friendly adaptations can be visually striking and serve as conversation starters, encouraging others to think about how their hobbies and lifestyles impact the environment.
We aim to support these initiatives by frequently hosting themed competitions or exhibitions that highlight environmentalism. For instance, while our DIY category in our cosplay competition doesn’t always request costumes made from recycled materials we tend to see most of them be made from such materials. Over time we would like to award special prizes for the most innovative use of upcycled items. This will help OTAKUKON to not only promote sustainability within the cosplay community but also educate the public about the importance of environmental stewardship.
The Role of Social Media in Spreading the Message
Social media is a powerful tool for spreading awareness about cosplay and environmentalism. OTAKUKON and our cosplayers often share these magnificent creations on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, reaching a global audience. By showcasing their sustainable practices and upcycled costumes, they can inspire others to consider the environmental impact of their hobbies and everyday lives.
We believe that influencers and well-known cosplayers will be able to play a crucial role in this movement by advocating for sustainability within the community. By sharing tutorials on making eco-friendly costumes or discussing the importance of recycling, they can set trends that others follow. Moreover, social media challenges, such as creating a costume entirely from recycled materials, can engage the community and spread the message further. This is our goal.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the integration of environmentalism into cosplay is promising, it also comes with challenges. Not all materials are easily recyclable or upcyclable, and some costume designs may require specific materials that are not environmentally friendly. Additionally, we have seen a lack of awareness and resources available to cosplayers who want to pursue sustainable practices. Some specialist tools and skills are required to be able to start doing that, with the most popular being sewing.
However, these challenges also present opportunities. The cosplay community is known for its creativity and innovation, traits that are invaluable in overcoming these hurdles. By working together, cosplayers can develop new techniques and solutions that prioritize sustainability without compromising on creativity or quality.
As the cosplay community becomes more aware of environmental issues, we see potential for partnerships with environmental organizations and companies that offer eco-friendly materials and products. We also see partnerships with organizations that have the same mission as us, albeit with different methods. These collaborations can provide resources and support for cosplayers looking to make a positive impact.
Conclusion
Cosplay is a dynamic and creative hobby that has the potential to significantly influence conversations around recycling, upcycling, and environmental care. We have seen cosplay become an integral part of the OTAKUKON community in just a year and believe it has the potential for more impact as it is not limited by accessibility to events. By embracing sustainable practices and using their platform to raise awareness, cosplayers can make a meaningful impact on both their community and the broader public. As the cosplay community continues to grow and evolve, it can serve as a model for how hobbies and entertainment can intersect with important social and environmental issues, driving change and inspiring others to think more sustainably.
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