On Sunday, December 22, the central Alameda square will be transformed into a circular economy and community hub thanks to the I Barter Market “Bartering”. This initiative, organised by EKOOKE Estudio Sostenible in collaboration with the San Gerardo Association, receives backing from the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council and the Santa Cruz Sostenible Foundation. Its aim is to promote the reuse of items, strengthen community bonds, and encourage environmental stewardship.
The mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Manuel Bermúdez, underscores the significance of such initiatives, asserting that “Truequeteando” serves as a prime example of how local actions can address global issues like waste production. This market not only aids in diminishing the volume of discarded items but also enhances the community spirit within Santa Cruz.”
The Councillor for Public Services, the Environment, and vice president of the Santa Cruz Sostenible Foundation, Carlos Tarife, urges participation in this project “that fosters the circular economy and educates on the importance of reusing and sharing resources. It is essential for nurturing a more mindful and sustainable society.”
“Bartering”
Truequeteado provides a platform where items gain a new lease of life through the narratives of those who donate them. Each item exchanged will feature a unique label detailing its origin and the reason for its donation, thereby enhancing the emotional and material worth of each article.
Moreover, the event will launch a “Time Bank,” an innovative scheme enabling individuals to exchange skills or acquire new ones, thus building a community network that extends beyond the event itself.
Activities Program
The market will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., featuring activities suitable for all ages, including workshops on creativity and the repurposing of items, areas for swapping among participants, and activities for establishing the Time Bank.
This initiative, inspired by similar programmes across European nations like Germany, aims to elevate awareness about the significance of prolonging the lifespan of items and reflecting upon responsible consumption. The event also involves local businesses and residents of Barrio de la Salud, who have committed themselves to the organisation and active participation in the initiative.
In recent weeks, students and educators from various schools have gathered and labelled items for exchange on Sunday. However, the initiative welcomes all citizens, allowing anyone to engage in the in-person workshops and partake in the swap by bringing along items they no longer require, thus giving them a new purpose.
