Ecopapel Information

Ecopapel, an ethical small-business, was founded in 1991 by an Ecuadorian, Dario Proaño, and a New Zealander, Nicola Mears. Situated in the coastal city of Baha de Carquez, Ecuador, Ecopapel has provided alternative employment for impoverished families affected by environmental degradation - mangrove destruction and dry tropical forest destruction. Before Ecopapel, many of the families were working in the shrimp industry; however, over past couple of decades, due to several natural disasters, a viral epidemic and unsustainable social and environmental impacts, the shrimp industry no longer proved to be a viable source of employment. The employees recycle waste paper from local schools, banks, offices etc. into beautifully designed paper and cards complete with hand applied dried flowers.