Some 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are used each year around the world, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The plastic waste which will only decompose in one hundred years and more is surely a serious threat to the environment. Some campaigns on reducing the use of plastic bags have been organized, but likely result to no avail.

Ela, 48, is however doing her real contribution to the matter. She who is a tailor in Cipinang Melayu, East Jakarta sews plastic waste originally containers of products such as soap, softener, cooking oil, and the like to be shopping bags, purses, hats, or laptop bags. Together with neighbors, Ela is running a small recycling business. “Sewing platics requires extra care due to its slipperiness and stiffness. The sewing has to be neat and straight. Otherwise, it looks awful” said Ela.

The plastic is collected by women in the neighborhood of soap pouch especially. To produce a small handbag of consistent color and pattern takes around 50 plastic pouches. Ela and other women who work for Istari Wahyu, the coordinator of residents from various community units get pay of Rp.75,000,- (US$ 8,-)for a large bag and Rp.10,000,-(US$ 1.01,-) for a small purse.


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