In a small home factory in Cuba, a local entrepreneur has discovered an inexhaustible source of resources for production in the trash.
What is waste for many is raw material for him, taking on new life in the form of useful household items.
"I am a producer of various items: clothespins, hangers, pots. Everything starts with purchasing the raw material," explained the workshop owner, surrounded by tools and molds that he has designed himself for the production of his products.
With a production that can reach up to a thousand dozen sticks per batch, the work is continuous. A pack of 12, for example, is sold wholesale for 50 Cuban pesos.
"Normally, 10 bags are made, each bag contains 100 dozen, so a total of a thousand dozen are produced. I sell it wholesale by the bags, and then someone else sells it to those who sell on the streets, from carts," he detailed.
One of the key elements of the process is the type of plastic used. According to the producer, the best plastics are those that are manufactured for the first time, as they offer greater durability and ease of recycling.
The scarcity of materials in the country has forced Cubans to further develop their ingenuity. "Cubans have to innovate more because we are a bit stuck when it comes to spare parts," he pointed out.
And it is precisely that creativity that has brought this workshop to life, where each object produced showcases a display of popular talent.
"Everything you see there is Creole, all of it is made by me, Creole," he stated proudly.
While the practice is not new—it dates back to the Special Period in the 1990s when "merolicos" sold recycled products to make a living—today the landscape has changed thanks to the legalization of micro, small, and medium enterprises (mipymes).
These have allowed many, like this producer, to formalize their work and contribute more directly to the local economy.
These types of initiatives not only alleviate the supply crisis but also provide an example of sustainability and small-scale recycling in a country where "making do" remains a form of survival and resilience
Frequently asked questions about recycling and entrepreneurship in Cuba
How does a workshop in Cuba turn garbage into useful objects?
A Cuban entrepreneur has created a workshop where he transforms waste into useful household items, such as hooks, coat racks, and containers. He uses recycled plastic as raw material and has designed tools and molds to manufacture his products in an artisanal way.
What impact do micro, small, and medium enterprises have on the Cuban economy?
SMEs have enabled many entrepreneurs to formalize their work and contribute to the local economy. However, they face challenges due to government restrictions that limit their ability to operate in wholesale trade without partnerships with state entities, which impacts their flexibility and growth.
Why is recycling and sustainability important in Cuba?
Recycling and sustainability are crucial in Cuba due to the scarcity of materials, which forces Cubans to be creative and make efficient use of the resources available. This not only helps alleviate the supply crisis but also provides an example of small-scale sustainability.
How has the landscape of entrepreneurship in Cuba changed following the legalization of small and medium-sized enterprises?
The legalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has allowed Cubans to formalize their businesses and participate more actively in the economy, offering innovative products and services that were previously provided informally. This represents an opportunity for local economic development, although it remains constrained by governmental regulations.
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