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Empower Women, Preserve Earth: Rayas Collective's Eco-friendly Shopping Baskets

Eco-friendly hand-woven bags, sourced from female weavers in El Salvador, make their way to Berlin in partnership with Rayas collective.

Empowering Women, Preserving Earth: Rayas Collective and Their Eco-Friendly Shopping Solutions
Empowering Women, Preserving Earth: Rayas Collective and Their Eco-Friendly Shopping Solutions

Empower Women, Preserve Earth: Rayas Collective's Eco-friendly Shopping Baskets

The Rayas Collective, a groundbreaking company founded in 2022 by sisters-in-law duo Consuelo Campos Kahlfeldt and Luisa Kahlfeldt, is making waves in the world of sustainable and culturally rich products. Based in El Salvador, the collective is dedicated to supporting traditional artisan craftsmanship while promoting eco-conscious practices.

The name "Rayas" is derived from the Spanish word for the woven structure of the baskets, symbolising the collective's roots in the local artisanry. The Rayas Collective combines traditional craft with contemporary design language, details, and colours to create unique, vibrant, and long-lasting baskets.

These baskets are not just aesthetic marvels; they are practical, durable, and eco-friendly. Made from high-density polyethylene, they are waterproof, lightweight, sun-resistant, and resistant to damage. This material, one of the most widely-recycled plastic polymers available, ensures that each basket lasts at least 15-20 years.

The baskets are available in a variety of colours, each as captivating as the next. From 'Fanta' and 'Jet Set' to 'Yves K' and 'Panna Cotta', there's a basket for every taste. Some unique names include 'Aperitivo', 'Matcha Latte', 'Barbie', 'Berries from the Bush', 'Shrimp', and a striking pink-and-orange basket also named 'Berries from the Bush'.

In El Salvador, the Rayas Collective baskets have become a local fashion statement. The weaving skill, often passed down through generations, is a vital means of living for many in remote villages. By partnering with local weavers, the collective aims to preserve this cultural heritage and provide fair economic opportunities for the weavers and their communities.

The founders believe that it is essential to use a Spanish word that communicates the project's heritage and the collective team that is involved. This commitment to authenticity extends to their online presence, with a website and Instagram account (@rayascollective) for shopping and updates.

The baskets come in various sizes, each with its own unique use. The medium-size basket is perfect for work or yoga, while the smaller iteration can serve as an evening purse. The larger basket, reminiscent of a modern-age Mary Poppins bag, offers ample space for daily essentials.

The Rayas Collective is more than just a business; it's a mission to empower local artisans, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable practices. By choosing a Rayas Collective basket, you're not just getting a beautiful, practical, and eco-friendly product; you're supporting a movement that values tradition, community, and the environment.

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