Tarps are an incredibly useful material for protection – until they become torn and can no longer be used. As we’ve seen on this blog, old and damaged tarps can be used in a number of ways – just as long as you can be creative. Some turn these old and unusable tarps into art, while others see them as an opportunity to tear the material up more and transform it into Halloween decorations. But, the materials have the potential to be used again. For example, canvas tarps have been turned into hats, while old polyethylene tarps have been sewn into bags.
The latter instance has started in the Philippines recently. Officials in Cavite, a town on the island Luzon, held a campaign in May and, afterward, realized that several tarps were left over. Instead of throwing them out – they would simply sit in landfills and no nothing – officials involved in the campaign decided to turn them into schoolbags.
Called EcoBags, these bags made from recycled tarps come in backpack, messenger, and pouch varieties. All are designed to hold up to five textbooks and come in many bright and vibrant colors. Additionally, the bags themselves are made by former garment workers and should be ready by the time the school year starts.
Are tarps ideal materials for bags, particularly for schoolbags for children? In a sense, yes. Polyethylene, assuming it isn’t damaged and torn, is durable and waterproof. If a bag is sewn from it, it would have the strength to hold the books and keep them dry. Aside from the durability factor, poly tarps have another advantage – the color palette available. Tarps range from staid colors like black, green, and silver to brighter ones, such as yellow, orange, and red. Camouflage is even offered as a color for tarps.
