In a modest home-based workshop in Cuba, a resourceful entrepreneur has discovered a seemingly endless supply of materials in what others discard. For this innovator, what many see as trash becomes valuable raw materials, reborn as practical household items.
"I produce various items: clothespins, coat racks, containers. It all begins with purchasing the raw materials," the workshop owner explained, surrounded by tools and molds he personally designed to craft his products.
The Creative Process
With production capable of reaching up to a thousand dozen clothespins per batch, the work is relentless. For instance, a pack of 12 is sold wholesale for 50 Cuban pesos. "Typically, we produce 10 sacks, each containing 100 dozen. I sell these by the sack, and then others sell them on the streets, in carts," he detailed.
A crucial element in the production is the type of plastic used. According to the producer, the best plastics are those manufactured for the first time, providing greater durability and ease of recycling.
Innovation Amidst Scarcity
The shortage of materials in the country has forced Cubans to further hone their ingenuity. "Cubans need to be more inventive because we're a bit stuck when it comes to spare parts," he remarked.
This very ingenuity has breathed life into his workshop, where each crafted item is a testament to popular talent. "Everything you see there is homemade, all made by me, homemade," he proudly declared.
Adapting to New Opportunities
Though this practice isn't new—tracing back to the special period of the 1990s when "merolicos" sold recycled goods to make ends meet—the landscape has evolved with the legalization of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). These have enabled many like this producer to formalize their work, contributing more directly to the local economy.
These initiatives not only help alleviate supply crises but also serve as examples of small-scale sustainability and recycling in a nation where "inventing" remains a means of survival and resilience.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Innovation
How do Cuban entrepreneurs use discarded materials?
Cuban entrepreneurs transform discarded materials into functional household items, utilizing their resourcefulness to repurpose what others consider trash.
What challenges do Cuban innovators face?
Cuban innovators face material shortages and limited access to spare parts, compelling them to rely on creativity and resourcefulness.
How have recent legal changes impacted Cuban entrepreneurs?
The legalization of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises has allowed Cuban entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses and contribute more directly to the economy.