Sri Lanka: Repurpose

CTF Ambassador Amanda Hough traveled to Sri Lanka to experience the unique country as well as lend a helping hand where ever she could. Once on the ground, she linked up with an amazing effort called Rice & Carry, and documented her experience to share with us. Rice & Carry is a small zero-waste social enterprise on the east coast of Sri Lanka that employs and empowers local women. The women repurpose plastic rice and hessian sacks to create reusable totes, duffels and other bags of varying sizes and uses as well as wallets. Plastic bags along with the the scraps are then melted down and compressed into a mold and from there, surf wax combs and sunglasses are born.

While making these beautiful and durable products, the women who work at Rice & Carry are empowered through fair wages, flexible hours, and the ability to balance work and family life.

The founders, Henry and Suzie, have created an amazing zero-waste social enterprise which have changed the way their community looks at plastic waste.

The garment industry is notorious for its mistreatment of laborers and as we approach the 5th anniversary of the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse on April 24th which killed over 1,000 people and injured many more, it is important to start thinking about the stories behind the clothes and items we purchase. Fashion Revolution is using their voice to make positive change through their #WhoMadeMyClothes campaign. This campaign is designed to both connect back with how our clothes are made and demand greater transparency in the fashion supply chain.

Not only do the women at Rice & Carry make beautiful, durable bags, but they are a wonderful example of ethical fashion where we know exactly who made the item we purchase, how this person was treated, and how much waste was created (none!).

Please check out Rice & Carry for more on this incredible organization!