Resale, reuse, upcylcling… There is good in the old

Thirteen years that the Kognotopia association has existed and the motivation of its founder and president, Amandine Pame, has not weakened. Arriving in Cogneau-Lamirande at the age of six, she has seen this Matoury district evolve over thirty years. “In this priority district, the problem of waste management is important. Note objective is to involve the population in all actions to respect the environment. The idea is that they are not simple spectators, but actors. »

After several actions during World Clean Up Day, a global event to clean up the planet, Kognotopia chose, two years ago, to set up flea markets. Initially intended for people in the neighborhood, it is also accessible to visitors who wish to resell small objects.

Clothes, shoes, bags, trinkets… The stand of Pénélope, 67 years old, resident of the neighborhood is an opportunity to « clear the air but not only that. I think selling is better than giving. The person who comes buys something, gives themselves an object. The feeling is not the same. »

Saturday, for this 7^th edition of the year, regulars discovered something new: a repair café with Jünger. The man, with his devices, had the mission of helping visitors repair their small household appliances. Samuel, 28 years old, took the opportunity to bring back a mini HiFi system equipped with an audio cassette player. After a few manipulations, the young man left delighted: “Now it works!” »

If attendance at the time of our visit was relatively low, regulars, like Pénélope, do not take this into account when planning their next visit. After moving around the neighborhood, this garage sale will now be located at the Maison des associations de Cogneau-Lamirande, every month. « The next flea market will take place on November 26 » already announces Amandine Pame.

On Sunday, the young association Eclosion offered a special jeans upcycling workshop. The method consists of working with objects or materials at the end of their life to create new, superior quality products. Upcycling is therefore fully in line with Eclosion’s mission, which aims to educate and promote ecology and sustainable development.

President of the association, Carellia Lupon and teacher is a reference on this topic in the Cayenne high school where she works. « Jeans are extremely polluting. It already pollutes on its production site (according to a United Nations report from March 2019, it takes 7,500 liters of water to make a pair of jeans, or the water consumed by a human for seven years, editor’s note) and we also know that the textile industry is the second most polluting industry in the world. Today we wanted to show that we can use this material to make accessories. » Each participant in this workshop, costing 60 euros for 6 hours, caterer included, was invited to bring their own jeans to upcycle. Under the guidance of three professional seamstresses, Evelyne Boutet, Jhamaelle and Roberny Abellard, they unstitched, assembled and re-sewed jeans.

It gives ideas in this context of high cost of living

Karine, who makes a bag from old jeans

Guided by seamstress Evelyne Boutet, Leïla transforms a pair of shorts that belonged to her partner into a tote bag. In addition to learning to sew, this workshop allows her to see things from another angle. « I had a pair of jeans that I loved but they were torn. I threw it away with regret ! If I knew it was possible to repair it, I would have kept it… »

Not far from there, Nadine, 60, is on her second bag. Her neighbor, Karine, 50, continues to work on hers. “ I do a little sewing, but this is the first time I’ve upcycled. It gives ideas for reusing children’s clothes because they grow so quickly : In this context of high cost of living, we are obliged to apply the principle “ nothing is lost, everything is transformed “, isn’t it ? »

I only use clothes or jeans that people would throw away

During the workshop, participants were also able to enjoy the creations of Sergine Boutrin. At the head of the Muzé du ninport’koi in Cayenne, she is accustomed to reuse. “50% of the muzé is made up of second, third or even fourth hand objects”she jokes. On site, she presented her bags, paintings, seats made from jeans. Jhamaelle Abellard also presented her creations, bags, visors, denim tops decorated with scraps of fabric from clothes sewn by her husband. “I only use clothes or jeans that people would throw away”indicates the one who created her brand Jhamy Style, which she markets in trade shows and exhibitions.

Another way to promote second-hand clothing : the pop-up store run by Margarette Mathée and Christianne Joinville, image consultant. Here, beautifully crafted pieces, shoes, clothing, bags, in good condition, are offered to the public. The two women, who from time to time propose this type of concept in the department, have noticed that behavior in this area tends to evolve. « People want to buy well, but they have to be beautiful things, indicates Christianne Joinville which also organizes semi-luxury resales. On the other hand, they want it to remain anonymous. »
To allow as many people as possible to discover these second-hand items, the pop-up store will welcome the public until Wednesday October 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Cercle des Lumières, in Cayenne.