# Umbrellas from Jakarta: Empowering Local Artisans

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/umbrellas-from-jakarta-empowering-local-artisans/
- Published: 2011-05-25T18:40:05-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Jakarta Umbrellas Turn Trash into Clean Water Solutions

### Smart Design with a Purpose

In Jakarta, Indonesia, one company is turning waste into opportunity—literally. 
Using discarded plastic packaging, this social enterprise crafts umbrellas that 
not only reduce landfill waste but also fund clean water access for underserved 
communities.

This isn’t just recycling. It’s impact-driven innovation at its best.

### Turning Trash into Shade

The umbrellas are made from flexible plastic waste, collected from streets, homes,
and local businesses. Rather than ending up in overflowing landfills, these materials
get a second life.

![Jakarta artisan creating an umbrella from recycled plastic packaging to support
clean water initiatives](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2011/05/3805A68C-D0F9-4F50-98EB-D03FF5D471DD.png?resize=267%2C400&quality=50&ssl
=1 "Umbrellas from Jakarta - The Green Living Guy")

Ai

The vibrant umbrellas are stylish, durable, and functional. But most importantly,
they’re mission-driven.

Each sale helps fund drinking water infrastructure for local families in need—providing
filtration systems or safe containers in areas where clean water is scarce.

### Empowering Women, Boosting Communities

The umbrella-making process creates jobs, especially for women. Local artisans are
trained to sort, clean, and handcraft each product. This approach fosters skills
development and economic empowerment.

The initiative is run by XSProject, a Jakarta-based nonprofit focused on upcycling
waste while improving the lives of trash pickers and low-income families. Their 
efforts combine environmental advocacy with social impact.

Learn more about XSProject’s mission here: [🔗](https://www.xsproject-id.org/)

### Why It Matters

Jakarta produces over 7,000 tons of waste per day, much of it plastic. Without intervention,
much of it clogs rivers, pollutes oceans, or piles into landfills. (Source: [World Bank](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/04/world-banks-water-dealings-could-have-dangerous-repercussions-on-global-community/))

At the same time, access to clean water remains a pressing issue for millions in
Indonesia. By upcycling waste into umbrellas and investing profits in water systems,
this initiative tackles two problems at once—pollution and poverty.

### A Model for Circular Solutions

This Jakarta-based effort is part of a growing global trend: [circular economy innovation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/12/recycle-plastic-bottles-a-simple-step-for-clothing-sustainability/).
It’s about creating value from waste while designing out pollution.

Programs like these aren’t just good for the environment—they build stronger, healthier
communities. And they serve as powerful examples of how smart, simple ideas can 
create real change.

As more people around the world look for sustainable products, the hope is clear:
that umbrellas like these become everyday symbols of what’s possible.

Source: According to a [Treehugger](https://www.treehugger.com/natural-sciences/dhaka-manila-jakarta-worst-climate-affected-asian-mega-cities-hits-closer-to-home-than-you-might-think.html?dcitc=th_rss_science)
article in 2009, the World Wildlife Federation reported that Jakarta was one of 
the top three cities in Asia that have been seriously affected by climate change,
overpopulation and risk of flooding. 

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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