our STORY
Asociación Observatorio Reciclaje Creativo was born from Cristina Ureña's experience in fashion, television, cinema, and advertising.
After filming in Uganda, she discovered the large volume of secondhand clothing from Europe, the US, and Asia—donated clothes that no one wants.
It's a covert trade: it's promoted as being for the neediest, when in reality it's part of a lucrative export business.
The environmental impact is invisible. Rejected garments end up in landfills, rivers, and oceans, polluting the environment and causing health problems for residents.
Why do 95% of Africans buy secondhand clothes?
Why can a continent with so much wealth be flooded with secondhand clothing?
Why are children in landfills looking at clothing brands?
This experience led us to find common ground and see how we can contribute, through our professional careers, to rethinking the life cycle of the garments we consume and involving the entire chain: designers, producers, distributors, and consumers.
We've combined our capabilities to redefine this cycle, that of every garment in our wardrobe.
And thus be able to reach the citizen so that they can reconsider and think about when we buy.
Social justice and the environment are key drivers to consider when reflecting on the textile industry.
Cristina Ureña Carpintero
With over 30 years of experience as a fashion designer in film and television, I have developed an innovative approach that combines creativity and sustainability. Through Observatorio Reciclaje Creativo, I contribute my experience as a consultant in textile sustainability, the circular economy, and sustainable transformation. My commitment is to lead the creation of responsible consumption, from a human perspective and with a focus on society.
Cristina Miranda Ureña
An image creative with extensive experience in film, television, and fashion, she believes in textile sustainability as a driver of change. She now collaborates with Observatorio Reciclaje Creativo, contributing her experience and passion to transform the sector toward a more responsible future.
Elena Gil Hidalgo
A sociologist by training, she decided to settle in rural Asturias, where she merges yoga and personal growth to promote holistic health. Her connection with nature guides her transformative approach, integrating body, mind, and spirit. At Observatorio Reciclaje Creativo Association, she unites sustainability, art, and social work, supporting vulnerable people through therapeutic yoga.
