Eva Pacheco, a local crochet teacher in the town of Alhaurin de la Torre in Malaga, Spain, used her and her students' skills to make colorful sunshades for the town. Southern Spain is accustomed to extreme heat and has historically used plastic awnings to shade walkways. The City Council's Department of the Environment recently implemented a plastic-free order.
To accommodate the eco-friendly endeavor, Pacheco and a dozen other women used recycled fabric to crochet awnings in place of the plastic. Since the Council's decision three years ago, the sunshades are rolled out each summer. This year they comprise roughly 500 square meters of recycled fabric. While they provide refuge from the sun, the sunshades also add a pop of color to the Spanish streets.
Eco-Friendly Crocheted Sunshades
Eva Pacheco and Team Crocheted Eye-Catching Sunshades in Spain
Trend Themes
1. Eco-friendly Crafting - The increased focus on sustainability is creating opportunities for eco-friendly crafting to replace traditional products.
2. Plastic-free Initiatives - As plastic-free initiatives continue to gain traction, there is a growing trend towards finding sustainable alternatives to plastic products.
3. Upcycling - Upcycling old materials into new products is a growing trend that reduces waste and promotes sustainability.
Industry Implications
1. Textile Manufacturing - Textile manufacturers can explore the use of recycled fabrics to create new products and meet the demand for sustainable materials.
2. Environmental Sustainability - Environmental sustainability consulting can help companies implement eco-friendly strategies and innovations in their operations and products.
3. Creative Arts Education - Creative arts education programs can incorporate sustainable crafting techniques and materials to promote environmental responsibility.