Candy Wrapper Moment

Many of you have seen, or own an item made from rolled up waste paper, such as table mats or bowls. this has become a thriving business, especially for Mexican State Indians in and around La Soledad.

A non-profit group for the promotion of education and sustainable development was formed in 1987. This group, Grupesac, has helped the communities around Mexico City to become self-sufficient through projects which earn them money, and also preserve the environment.

One of their recent hits can be seen at www.sweetiepie.com. These are very colorful purses made of candy wrappers which are found in dumps and from manufacturers who discard misprinted wrappers. There are many sizes and shapes, and they are very popular with people who are environmentally conscious. Their bright colors attract young people as well.

By googling grupedsac you can read more and if you visit the next few sites listed after that you will learn about a number of other groups that are giving the same sort of help and inspiration to people in need. Most of the workers are women and by earning money they are enabling their husbands to stay home and continue working the land.