Tourism, Women and Community working for a circular economy

Summary

Ecobolso is an innovative initiative that repurposes discarded textiles into bags and other products, addressing the global waste crisis. Originating from a Canadian competition and supported by Intec and the Transur project, it involves a dedicated community focused on sustainability. Participants have gained skills in recycling, transforming materials like old hotel linens into new products sold in public spaces. This initiative not only reduces environmental impact but also creates economic opportunities for local communities, exemplifying how small efforts can lead to significant change in waste management and community empowerment.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Ecobolso is an initiative that emerged from a Canadian fund competition, supported by INTEC and the Transur project.
• 🤝 The initiative involves a dedicated community focused on innovative recycling methods for textiles.
• 👚 Unwanted clothing is repurposed into bags instead of being discarded, promoting sustainable practices.
• 🌍 Ecobolso addresses the global issue of solid waste management, particularly in textiles.
• ♻️ The project helps reduce environmental impact by converting discarded hotel textiles into usable products.
• 🏨 Hotels contribute to the initiative by providing items like towels and curtains that would otherwise go to waste.
• 💼 Ecobolso creates economic opportunities for local communities by selling recycled textile products.
• 🛍️ The repurposed bags and items are marketed in public spaces within hotel areas, boosting community income.
• 💡 The initiative highlights the importance of community engagement in tackling environmental challenges.
• 🌟 Ecobolso exemplifies how small-scale initiatives can make a significant impact on waste reduction and economic growth.

Q & A

What is the ecobolso initiative?

Ecobolso is an initiative that emerged from a competition organized by a Canadian fund, supported by INTEC and the Transur project, aimed at transforming the tourism value chain.

How does ecobolso contribute to environmental sustainability?

Ecobolso helps reduce environmental impact by recycling textiles that would otherwise be discarded, such as hotel linens, into new products like bags.

What types of materials does ecobolso recycle?

Ecobolso recycles materials such as towels, sheets, and curtains that hotels dispose of, repurposing them into bags and other items.

What training has the ecobolso team received?

The team received training that equipped them with knowledge about recycling processes and how to create various products from recycled materials.

What problem does ecobolso aim to address?

Ecobolso aims to tackle the global issue of unmanaged solid waste, particularly textile waste, which contributes to environmental pollution.

In what way does ecobolso provide economic opportunities?

By creating new products from recycled textiles, ecobolso generates economic opportunities for communities involved in the initiative.

What role do hotels play in the ecobolso initiative?

Hotels provide the raw materials, such as discarded linens, which ecobolso then recycles into marketable products.

How does ecobolso create products from recycled materials?

Ecobolso transforms the recycled textiles into bags and other items that are then sold in public spaces within hotel areas.

What is the broader impact of ecobolso on the community?

Ecobolso not only helps reduce waste but also fosters a community spirit by engaging local individuals in sustainable practices and business ventures.

What message does the ecobolso initiative convey about waste management?

Ecobolso conveys that small initiatives can effectively address waste management issues and transform waste into valuable economic resources.