The Cuban project La Mina, focused on waste management and promoting recycling, will collect raw materials in Havana for the production of breast prostheses. The initiative will take place on September 5th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Consulado 310 between Neptuno and Virtudes, in Centro Habana.
People can donate plastic, glass, paper, padded bras, and used makeup, which will be used to make the prostheses, according to a report by IPS Cuba on Facebook. La Mina is a sustainable development venture that is part of the Embajada Rebirth/Tercer Paraíso Cuba project, promoted by Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto and his Cittadellarte foundation. The project "uses art and creativity to connect all forms of organization to work together towards sustainable development in Cuba," as stated on their website.
In May, they had already launched a call to donate used padded bras for the same purpose. According to the Facebook page of Embajada Rebirth/Tercer Paraíso Cuba, the project was launched by the Textile Garment Production Styles Maylié initiative, whose production line "Maryfe, love and life" aims to "improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients."
"This is an opportunity to give a new life to something you no longer use, and at the same time, offer support and improve the quality of life for others," the post noted.
Other Initiatives
Another initiative by La Mina is "Copas para Cuba," which has promoted the use of menstrual cups, an ecological alternative to sanitary pads, since 2021. In recent weeks, the project has conducted workshops in Matanzas, Pinar del Río, Artemisa, and Havana about the benefits of menstrual cups and their positive environmental impact.
This summer, it also held workshops for children on environmental care and waste management using the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle). In July, Embajada Rebirth/Tercer Paraíso Cuba, La Mina, and other projects organized a "Reciclatón" in Havana, collecting raw materials—glass jars, fabric scraps, old clothes, clean plastic, cardboard, etc.—for ventures that recycle and reuse them to create new products.
FAQs on La Mina's Breast Prosthesis Initiative
Here are some frequently asked questions about the upcoming initiative to collect raw materials for breast prosthesis production in Havana, organized by La Mina.
What materials can be donated for the breast prosthesis production?
You can donate plastic, glass, paper, padded bras, and used makeup for the production of breast prostheses.
When and where will the collection take place?
The collection will take place on September 5th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Consulado 310 between Neptuno and Virtudes, in Centro Habana.
Who is behind the La Mina project?
La Mina is part of the Embajada Rebirth/Tercer Paraíso Cuba project, promoted by Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto and his Cittadellarte foundation.