BEST NGO AWARD in 2016/17 !!!!
In 2009, when I reached the deserted area of Kucch and the craft organization Khamir , I was asked to SOLVE two main issues :
. a growing number of plastic bags flying in the environment, numerous and obstructings cows stomachs.
. provide work to the most skillful weavers of India who are confronted to upfront production cost , having to invest in the raw material (cotton and woolen yarn) and have to wait a long time before selling their items and perceive any financial benefit.
There WITH and FOR the weavers, we organized the plastic collection, cleaning, drying, cutting into stripe and weaving the dematerialized plastic bags on pit looms. A material called woven plastic was born. Simple place mats and stationery covers were created.
Then the first order came from the Five star DUNE eco village (Tamil Nadu) and the gorgeous colorful placemats became the highlight of the dinning tables and the artisans in Bhuj had a perfect “window “ for their woven articles as well as an income.
Fifteen years later,designers from around the globe have come to Khamir , used this material to develop new articles such as bags and the production has taken off. Entire villages now rely on this for a livelihood. Many weavers have been trained in other states of India to weave used plastic bags into beautify designed items. And the project received the Best NGO award in 2016-17
A Success story ! Craft as an agent of sustainability or How Eco design helps local communities.
More detail on http://www.khamir.org/crafts/recycled-plastic-weaving
VIDEO
Plastic Recycling Project Khamir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS3hT1k_2Do&t=27s
Recycled Plastic: Weaving a new tune
