Reuse, Reduce, Recycle – how about RETHINK? This is what happens when concern for the environment meets creativity!
I came across two companies – I’m sure among hundreds – which started as small projects around transforming “waste” into pieces of artwork that help the planet AND the local economy!
The first company, Shop-ZA (or Shop-South Africa), was started by a young entrepreneur woman, Liebe, who believes in responsible gifting with a fair-trade philosophy. She partners with local crafts people and community organizations involved in sustainable income-generating projects to empower these individuals by creating opportunities to showcase their sustainable artwork to the world. Liebe’s search for meaningful and sustainable partnerships is ongoing; however, the inspiration began with South Africa – jewellery made from colourful recycled cartons and an array of beaded metal and wire products.
The story behind the paper jewellery began on Liebe’s last visit to Africa when she stumbled on an organisation working with women living with HIV/Aids. The organization runs a skills program and the jewellery project is one of them. She has since worked directly with one of the women, Pumza, who has been skilfully making a great line of jewellery. Liebe also works with an organisation called Sister’s Inc, a shelter for women and children in Cape Town who are “women helping women to help themselves”. These women are able to earn an income through the jewellery they make, and a portion of the profits goes to their Skills Training Centre. The remainder of Liebe’s products come from other organisations similar to the above, or from local crafts people whose talent caught her eye. These people are looking to make an honest living and Liebe looks at her help as “giving them a hand-up instead of a hand-out”.
Another company, RecyclArt, is a network of production centers established in early 2008 including national and international points-of-sale that offer jewellery and articles of art made by local women recyclers: necklaces, bracelets, earrings and belts, handbags – you name it!. The project was developed as a necessity to generate alternative sources of revenue, particularly in rural areas of Costa Rica where organized groups of women are now trained in making eco-jewellery using only materials commonly found in recycling centers, such as pull tabs from metal cans.
“RecyclArt, Crafts for the Environment” is the name of the line of accessories, and also the natural extension to the environmental education project that oversees the production and marketing efforts. Proceeds from RecyclArt are used to generate and strengthen environmental education projects through community recycling in rural villages in Costa Rica. The necessity-laden idea that was born as RecyclArt is an original initiative that fuses art, recycling, environmental education and gender equality. How brilliant!
You can help by becoming a re-seller of RecyclArt eco-jewellery by contacting Alexis ([email protected] (506) 2231-2712) and by purchasing products from these companies. I have purchased from both and continue to receive compliments for these very unique pieces!