Life Cycle of our products

Ciclomanias contributes to a circular economy by upcycling recycled materials, vermicomposting, and teaching others that waste does not have to end up in the landfill but can have other regenerative and creative uses.

The cradle-to-cradle products created at Ciclomanias emulates natural systems by reincorporating the materials used into a closed loop system and by extending the lifespan of the products. Ciclomanias is also looking for ways to reduce its carbon emissions by purchasing carbon offsets through its Etsy online shop.

The infographics below show the supply chain and circularity of the products made of organic waste, recycled corrugated cardboard boxes, and recycled plastic bottles.

The vermicomposting program has inspired more than 1,000 students and curious minds to transform food scraps into worm castings. Together we have diverted from the landfill more than 10 tonnes of food scraps and made a vermicompost to regenerate soil and produce healthy and delicious food.

All our corrugated cardboard products are handmade. We use 98 percent post consumer materials, which we recycle and transform into a wide variety of decorative and useful products for your home and office. We use environmentally friendly paints and glue. We have upcycled 5 tonnes of recycled corrugated cardboard.

All our crafts made of plastic bottles are handmade. We use 98 percent post consumer materials, which we recycle and transform into a wide variety of waterproof products for your home and office. We use 100 percent acrylic polymer emulsion paints, which are more environmentally friendly than oil-based paints. We have upcycled 3 tonnes of recycled plastic bottles.

Ciclomanias' programs also support SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, by promoting waste diversion and fostering a circular economy. Through our Zero Waste Ambassador Programs, offered to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, we integrate science, art, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to advocate for a zero-waste lifestyle. This approach aligns with the Indigenous principle that waste does not exist in nature; everything is used, repurposed, or returned to the Earth in a sustainable way. Many Indigenous languages, in fact, do not even have a word for "waste," reflecting the deeply held understanding that nothing should be discarded.

Our programs provide communities with practical skills for waste reduction, starting with waste audits and strategic plans to divert waste from landfills. Participants are trained in vermicomposting and composting techniques for organic materials, fostering more sustainable ways of dealing with waste. We also use arts-based methods, including upcycling and storytelling, to engage diverse audiences—ranging from K-12 students to adults and seniors—in these practices.

Beyond waste management, we promote food sovereignty and food security by teaching gardening techniques rooted in permaculture principles and the Honorable Harvest—a concept that encourages taking only what is needed from the Earth and using every part of what is harvested. By integrating these practices, we not only support sustainable food production but also help preserve native plant species. Our programs help communities reconnect with these vital principles of responsible consumption, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier, more sustainable world.