The water hyacinth may look like a harmless, even beautiful flowering plant — but it’s actually an invasive aquatic weed, and an environmental hazard that can make life unbearable for people who depend on inland waterways.

In parts of Nigeria, the water hyacinth clogs waterways, stopping trade, interrupting schooling and disrupting everyday life.

In this inspiring TED Talk, green entrepreneur Achenyo Idachaba saw an opportunity to transform the water hyacinth into an item of impressive economic and cultural value.

Achenyo, who left her job in corporate America to pursue her passion in ‘green entrepreneurship’ has built a thriving business that uses dried water hyacinth to produce very beautiful handicrafts and art pieces.

Watch the video below and get inspired!