AFP: Argentine cooperative makes books from cardboard
BUENOS AIRES (AFP) — It is a small miracle happening in the middle of a crisis: Argentine cooperative "Eloisa Cartonera" manages to publish exquisite, unique books from cardboard boxes picked up in the street.Technorati Tags: carboard, books, recycling, buenos aires
And its example has now found followers in Europe.
"I passed by every day but did not dare enter because my boxes were not beautiful enough," says Miriam Merlo, 23, a "cartoneros" -- the people who try to scratch a living collecting paper or cardboard for recycling from municipal waste in Buenos Aires.
Her eyes light up when she remembers the day that changed her life.
An "Eloisa" team suggested that she decorate a book cover and since then she has not stopped working.
"Before, I never read. Now I have my favorite books," says Merlo --nicknamed "Bear" -- proudly, without stopping to design covers that workers bring to her.
"You are the happiest 'Bear' in the world!" shouts 35-year-old cooperative co-founder Washington Cucurto from the other side of the room.
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