RECYCLING OLD CAR WASTES INTO FOOT WEAR FOR RURAL PEOPLE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBuSDZWmasc

Women call centre Uganda in Kasese Uganda Recycling old car waste, particularly tires, into footwear for rural communities is a well-established and impactful practice. It addresses multiple challenges at once: environmental pollution from waste tires, economic hardship in rural areas, and the need for durable, affordable footwear. The proposal project has been funded by Marie schlei Germany and impacted by training over 50 women in Kasese western Uganda. Now women trade in different shoes ranging from poor to the rich. Shoes are made according to needs and income status of our society say 2500- 20000 UGX. How It Works The process is generally a low-tech, manual one that can be easily adapted to a small-scale social enterprise or individual craftsperson. 1. Sourcing Materials: Old, discarded car and truck tires are collected from local sources, such as mechanic workshops, dumpsites, or by-the-road. In some cases, organizations partner with tire dealers for a consistent supply. 2. Preparation: The tires are cleaned, and the useful rubber parts are separated from the steel belts and other non-rubber components using simple tools like sharp knives. The thick, durable tread section of the tire is often used for the sole, while other parts can be used for straps or other parts of the shoe. 3. Shoe Creation: o Soles: The tire tread is cut into the shape of a shoe sole. o Straps/Uppers: Various materials are used for the rest of the shoe. These can include strips of recycled tire, discarded leather, fabric scraps, or other durable and locally available materials. o Assembly: The sole and upper are then attached, often by stitching them together with heavy-duty needles and thread or with strong adhesives. 4. Distribution: The finished footwear is sold at an affordable price to local communities, providing a low-cost, long-lasting alternative to factory-made shoes. Benefits of the Approach • Environmental: Tires are a significant source of pollution. They are not biodegradable and can become breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes. Recycling them into shoes directly reduces the amount of waste in landfills and open dumps. • Economic: This model creates local employment and income-generating opportunities. Small-scale entrepreneurs and artisans can learn the craft and start their own businesses. This is a particularly powerful tool for poverty reduction in communities with high unemployment rates. We now have over 50 women and girls. • Social: The footwear produced is extremely durable and affordable, making it accessible to people who might not be able to afford new shoes. This can be especially important for children, protecting their feet from cuts, parasites, and other injuries. • Circular Economy: This practice is a perfect example of a circular economy, where waste is not simply discarded but is repurposed into a new, useful product, creating a sustainable loop.