January 10, 2020

Recycled Products

recycled_telephone wire_copper_yellow_blue_aqua_cuff_bracelet_flame_woven_handmade_san miguel_mexico

 

The fashion industry is a huge contributor to the world's excessive waste, 4% to be exact.  That comes to approximately 92 million tons.  

We are so pleased to know that there are companies in our arena trying to cut down on that waste and even more pleased to be selling some of these products at KMM Collective.  

Wayil_poncho_blue_white_recycled denim_cotton_handwoven_made by women_antigua_guatemala

This Wayil Recycled Denim Poncho from Guatemala is made from recycled denim yarns.  The company that produces these, Wayil by Algodones Mayas, is located in Antigua, Guatemala and they make beautiful clothing and interior accessories from these upcycled threads.  Owned and run by women they also employ women in and around Antigua to make these goods and pay them a living wage.  I will have some new things from these lovely ladies soon.

blue_cream_stripe_bag_recycled plastic_handwoven_Assam_India_women for women

Assam Market Bags are also made from recycled materials.  Women in Assam, India weave recycled plastic in order to create these bags.  The company, Spencer Devine, is also a women-owned company working to empower women. 

spencer devine_market_totes_bags_totepacks_recycled_plastic_assam_india_made by women_handmade

spencer devine_assam_india_market_bags_totes_totepacks_recycled_plastic_made by women_handwoven

The last two photos were taken from the Spencer Devine website, one of the owners, Kristine, is pictured weaving with one of the artisans

recycled_telephone wire_copper_colorful_handwoven_cuff_bangle_bracelet_reuse_repurpose

These colorful bangles and cuff bracelets are made from recycled telephone wire.

In San Miguel, some stores charge you for a plastic bag.  You will find recycled plastic shopping bags for sale in all of the markets and bodegas.  Some of the higher-end stores provide them when you make a purchase.

recycled_plastic_shopping bag_reusable_lightweight

This bag came from one of the boutiques where I bought some leather goods, they even add a little wire and paper flower to keep the handles together.  Such a cute added touch.

 Last but not least, bags like this one are typically woven in Oaxaca from recycled plastic and come in a lot of different designs and color combinations.

recycled_plastic_handbag_tote bag_woven_reusable_tassel_black

 This one, Recycled Handbag with Tassel, is for sale on my site