From banners to bags.

By: Jane Hong

Have you ever wondered what happens to the 14^th Street Y banners when we’re done with them? They’re not thrown away. They’re reused and upcycled by Vaya Bags in Queens. Vaya Bags uses leftover canvas scraps and used bicycle tubes donated from local businesses to make their goods. Maybe you remember seeing them at the 14^th Street Y Green Fair? Our own Executive Assistant, Marissa Rosenblum, likes their backpacks so much she bought one. She uses it almost daily and brought it with her on her trip to Europe.

Marissa and her wife, Sarah, at Tower Bridge.

Marissa on top of the Eiffel Tower. She is not fond of heights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what do Vaya Bags do with our banners? They use them as stiffeners.

This is their Handlebar bag.

The 14^th Street Y is proud to support and be involved with local businesses like Vaya Bags while keeping waste out of landfills. Thank you to Tia and the Vaya team for the photos.