The GEF Small Grants Programme

in Uzbekistan

Ecological platform for manufacturers of craft products made from natural materials

In markets in developed countries, there is a growing trend towards the consumption of goods made from natural materials. This allows us to reduce plastic consumption in the production of everyday products. In our country, there are still no public initiatives to support the abandonment of plastic in favor of natural, biodegradable materials. Moreover, almost everywhere there is access to free or cheap natural raw materials that are in little demand on the market - these are the horns and bones of cattle, the wool of semi-coarse and coarse-wool sheep, as well as used clothing (primarily denim) and cotton fabrics. , silk and leather.

For this purpose, a project is planned to create an environmental platform that combines the production and commercialization of everyday goods made from natural materials. The volume of plastic that will be replaced with natural materials as part of the project is insignificant in absolute terms. However, the information campaign accompanying the project will help draw public attention to the environmental agenda. In addition, the project will promote the development of clothing upcycling in Uzbekistan, which can have a tangible environmental effect.

And taking into account the scaling, the project can in the future provide additional income for many people. It is important that young people and women who do not have qualifications can be involved in the collection and preparation of raw materials; in addition, such work can be home-based and combined with other activities.