Carmen Vélez

Colombian environmental pioneer leading the Amazon rainforest cleanup initiative through community-driven recycling programs

Carmen Vélez: Transforming Trash into Treasure in the Amazon

Emerging from the lush forests of Colombia's Amazon region, Carmen Vélez has become an unlikely environmental hero through her groundbreaking AmazonRecicla initiative. Starting in 2008, Carmen mobilized indigenous communities to combat plastic pollution using traditional weaving techniques, creating a sustainable economy that has diverted over 10 million kilograms of waste from rainforest ecosystems.

Roots in the Rainforest

Born to a family of rubber tappers in Leticia, Carmen witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of plastic waste on river systems used for drinking water and transportation. Her epiphany came during a 2005 river cleanup where she noticed discarded plastic bags resembling the palm fronds traditionally used in indigenous crafts. This led to the creation of "Bolsas de la Selva" (Forest Bags), handwoven shopping bags made from recycled plastics that now sell internationally through AmazonRecicla's online store.

Community Empowerment Model

Carmen's approach combines environmental stewardship with economic empowerment. Her programs train local women in recycling and craft techniques, providing fair wages while creating jobs for 3,000+ families. The initiative has expanded to include recycled material construction for eco-lodges and partnerships with international brands like Patagonia for sustainable apparel. Recent innovations include biodegradable packaging materials made from agro-industrial waste.

Global Recognition

Despite limited formal education, Carmen's work has earned her the 2018 "Green Hero Award" from UNESCO and a 2021 TEDx talk titled "Weaving the Future of the Amazon". Her story is chronicled in the documentary "La Selva Recicla", available on Vimeo. Carmen's methods have inspired similar initiatives in Peru and Brazil, proving that grassroots solutions can tackle environmental crises effectively.

Future Vision

Now focusing on scaling her model across the Amazon basin, Carmen advocates for policy changes to incentivize circular economies. Her recent partnership with the Colombian government aims to establish recycling hubs in 50 new communities by 2025. Carmen's legacy exemplifies how cultural heritage and modern environmentalism can collaborate to create lasting change.