The Refoliar project encourages Carnival participants to donate their used ‘abadás’ for repurposing into school backpacks, promoting sustainability and creating job opportunities.
The initiative Refoliar, an innovative project that intertwines sustainability, social action, and education, is set to launch during the Carnival season in Salvador, running from March 1 to March 10. This program encourages participants to donate their used “abadás,” which are colorful garments typically worn by revelers during the Carnival festivities, in specially designed collection bins placed in strategic locations throughout the city, including the parade circuits, hospitality suites, shopping centers, and the airport.
Following the collection period, all donated items will be transported to a designated storage facility where they will be transformed into school backpacks, a process that will involve trained seamsters and seamstresses. This initiative not only aims to repurpose textile waste but also creates direct and indirect job opportunities for individuals skilled in sewing.
The project has been conceived by entrepreneurs Aparecida Queiroz and Vanda Souza, who expressed the desire to address textile waste and promote environmental awareness. According to a recent study by Sebrae, an organization supporting small businesses in Brazil, approximately 170,000 tons of clothing are produced annually, with a mere 20% being recycled or reused. The remaining 80% typically ends up in incinerators, landfills, or as litter in natural environments.
In an interview, Vanda Souza articulated the intent behind Refoliar, stating, “The nature is giving us signals. The project Refoliar aims to transform sentimental value into something even more valuable. Through the delivery of the backpack, we can promote education and awareness among students, their families, and teachers.” Souza, who holds a degree in Architecture from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), alongside a specialization in capacity building and development of individuals, underlines the initiative’s educational aspect.
By repurposing discarded abadás, the Refoliar project aligns itself with seven of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing responsible consumption, sustainable cities, quality education, income generation, poverty reduction, reduction of inequalities, and protection of aquatic life. This multifaceted approach aims not only to mitigate the negative environmental impact of textile waste but also to foster a culture of sustainability and awareness within the community.
This unique blend of fashion sustainability and educational support through the transformation of Carnival attire into practical school supplies presents a new paradigm for waste management and social responsibility in Brazil.
Source: Noah Wire Services
