Strawbags: A partnership of women enterpreneurs and consumers proud of their commitment to their environment.
These plastic bags were made by women and out-of-school youth in Uganda. It is made by re-using waste plastic drinking straws – and uses less energy than recycling. Helping people as well as helping the planet.
The straws were woven at their homes and provide an income to the household for food and education. Many of the households are affected by HIV - but weaving bags and mats from home means the makers can still care for children, work in their small farms or sit at their market stall.
Using these bags in Uganda and elsewhere can reduce the use of thin, single-use disposable plastic carrier bags. In Uganda the thin bags, called kavera, are thrown away. They block waterways, cause floods, pollute water sources and create toxic pollution if burned.
Kinawataka Women's Initiative (KiWI) is a Non-Government Organization (NGO) established in 1998 to help raise the standard of living of the people in the community. Based in Mbuya (East Kampala), KiWI has worked tirelessly for the community and to produce saleable goods of the highest quality to give a modest income, a future and a hope to many of the community's disadvantaged people.
KiWI is raising the profile of women, children and the community as a whole by encouraging employment and by raising self-esteem. This is managed by producing goods that are eco-friendly and accessible to all.
In addition Kinawataka Women's Initiative cares for many children affected by AIDS, ensuring they have a home, an education and a family. This same work ethic is taught to the children thereby ensuring that Uganda's new generation is prepared for the future ahead. [...read more]
Find out more about the Kinawataka Women's Initiative by visiting their website: kwiuganda.org
Kinawataka Women’s Initiative is based in a village that has become a suburb of Kampala, in Uganda. As well as thin plastic bags blocking the drains - that are so necessary in fertile Uganda with two rainy seasons – the women found plastic drinking straws that had been used for locally made juices in a bag as well as commercial soft drinks and beer. These straws are gathered, sorted and sterilised in a big drum before being rinsed and sun dried.
The straws are then flattened– this is a skilled task as the correct pressure must be applied in order to squeeze out all of the air, generate enough heat to create a crisp edge to the sides of the straw but not stretch its length.
Finally, the straws are woven, as you would with grasses and natural straw, to form a long strip in the shape of a thick belt. These strips are the basis for the original plastic straw mats – used for kids to play on and in several of the local mosque. By joining several strips and sewing corners to attach flat panels together they create purse handbags, shopping bags and now with zips, the parents’ bag and sports holdall. [...read more]
For the time being, the best way to order bags is directly from us. Our bags currently come in 3 sizes, and in a variety of patterns using the red and blue straws. Please indicate your preference when getting in touch.
We are also in the process of looking for international vendors. If you are interested in supporting this endeavor, please get in touch. [...read more]
