TABOQUINHAS

The "Associação Taboquinhense de desenvolvimento do turismo comunitário (ASTATURC)" is one of the pioneers in Brazil with recyclable straws from plants. The Taboquinha is a native bamboo species in Taboquinhas. (hence the name of the place) and is classified by the large amount of the farmers of the cocoa region as weeds. The research and tests of Astaturc have now revealed that this plant is resistant to vermin and Mushrooms is and represents an ideal alternative to plastic straws. These stalks have been used by local people for years, and in Astaturc's community-based tourism program in chocolate making with tourists, cocoa honey is drunk with these stalks. Now, the Brazilian Institute for Sustainable Development (IABS) has distributed these straws to its guests at its 15th anniversary celebrations in Brasília, and they have been received with great interest. Many of them already want to place orders. Now the preparations for production are running. In the district are taken pictures of the interested families, research for the purchase of cutting machines, packaging material and tax regulations. Within the next three months then should start the first production. Initially with 5 families from the poor district, but it is very likely that these straws will create many more jobs for the population.