Why Aruba Needs the Circular Economy - And How My Palm Leaf Bags Help

Aruba is a beautiful island with sunny skies, turquoise waters, and a strong sense of community. But like many islands, we face serious challenges regarding waste, imports, and protecting the natural environment. That’s why the circular economy matters so much here, and why I chose to make handmade woven bags from something simple and local: palm leaves.

So… What’s a Circular Economy?

Think of it like this: instead of making something, using it, and tossing it away, we keep things in use for as long as possible. We reuse, repurpose, and recycle. It’s about designing smarter, wasting less, and making sure we don’t use up more than our little island can handle.

And for a place like Aruba, where space and resources are limited, that kind of thinking isn’t just a nice idea - it’s essential.

Nature Gave Us Palm Leaves - Why Not Use Them?

I started making these bags because I wanted to create something beautiful, useful, and natural. Palm leaves are all around us — strong, flexible, and 100% biodegradable. No plastic, no pollution, no guilt.

It’s slow, mindful work - the opposite of fast fashion. And when the bag’s life is done? It goes right back to the earth. No waste, no harm.

It’s More Than a Bag - It’s a Story

These bags aren’t just eco-friendly - they also support local creativity and craft. When you carry one, you’re carrying a piece of Aruba’s nature, tradition, and soul. You’re choosing something that was made by hand, not by machine. And that choice matters.

Every palm leaf bag is a small stand against throwaway culture. It’s a reminder that we can live more simply, more sustainably - and still have style.

Let’s Keep It Real, and Keep It Local

We all want to do our part for the planet, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it starts with small choices: buying local, choosing natural, and supporting makers who care about the earth.

My bags are just one little piece of the bigger picture - but every piece counts.