Exploring the Feasibility for Utilizing Recycled Palm Waste in Decorative Design Applications as Enhancements for Tourist Destinations: A Step toward Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the feasibility for repurposing discarded palm tree waste as artistic creations and decorative elements, contributing to sustainability and environmental preservation at tourist destinations. Employing both descriptive and applied approaches, a series of artworks, totaling eight pieces, were conceptualized and crafted by art education students following the chemical treatment of the palm tree material. To assess the sustainability achieved in these artworks, a questionnaire was administered to 55 visitors at tourist destinations who attended an art exhibition organized for this purpose at King Faisal University’s Department of Art Education. Utilizing the SPSS (Version 26) program, the data underwent analysis, including calculating averages, standard deviations, and a t-test to gauge the extent to which sustainability standards were met. The study revealed a high average response score (3.925) for meeting sustainability criteria in creating art pieces from palm waste, particularly as complementary elements to the interior design of tourist resorts. Visitors exhibited positive responses, emphasizing the moral significance of this sustainable practice. This suggests the potential for recycling palm waste to produce decorative elements for interior designs in tourist resorts. The study recommended further specialized research to generate raw materials from palm waste applicable in designs and decorations beyond tourist destinations and in various settings.