In Business, Creating Sustainable Enterprises & Communities

CREATIVE MARKETING WITH BURLAP BAGS

In Business, March-April, 2006, Vol. 28, No. 2, p. 22

Portland, Oregon organization creates colorful new totes from discarded bags - employing disabled workers to manufacture them.

James Brannaman

OUR GOAL at the Arc of Multnomah Clackamas is to remanufacture products from all of the leftover burlap coffee bean bags in Oregon and Washington. (We drink a lot of coffee here in the Pacific Northwest.) Our nonprofit organization promotes employment for disabled workers by providing work opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities. We also use a resource that has become a problematic solid waste.
The Arc is also an example of how to adapt to changes in the economy. We've been able to reprocess over 60 tons of burlap coffee bean bags, reducing waste for local coffee roasters, while creating economically viable work for people with disabilities. The used burlap is picked up by our trucks from the roasting locations and then converted by our sheltered workshops into reusable shopping tote bags and other environmentally sustainable products.
This under valued postindustrial solid waste serves as an alternative to plastic and other nonrecycled materials. Some burlap material through innovative product development becomes green “branding opportunities” for companies (convention bags, gift bags etc.) Other uses are as a natural weed barrier at local vineyards instead of plastic or straw; hydro mulch fiber for hydroseeding; storm water mitigation devices for the city. Otherwise these discarded materials would negatively impact the community on both an environmental level and financial one.
When we work in conjunction to decrease waste, we all benefit. By recycling the discards, there is a decrease in disposal costs and valued space at the landfill, with a reduction in use of paper and plastic.

DESCRIPTION OF JAVA TOTES
As an example of the creative marketing that has been moving burlap bags into the marketplace, the Arc of Multnomah Clackamas has been developing them with their own unique designs. Says one Arc official: “The totes have vibrant, bright colors and international themes from the independent farms and suppliers they were shipped from (country of origin). When totes are purchased, not only do the proceeds support the Arc's programs, but they support the growing movement to raise awareness of sustainability. The totes are sturdy, durable, hold heavy loads with confidence, and are 100 percent biodegradable, compost friendly and long lasting. Purchase of Java Totes is an easy and rewarding way to feel good about supporting the community and the environment at the same time.

James Brannaman can be e-mailed at: jbrannaman@thearcmult.org. The Arc of Multnomah-Clackamas can be contacted at 619 SW 11th Ave, Ste. 102, Portland, Oregon 97205. (971) 221-6362. Website www.thearcmult.org.