A Cuban woman named Vanessa Laura has taken to social media to showcase how objects that might typically be discarded in other places find new purposes in Cuba. From paint buckets repurposed to store water to repeatedly repaired household appliances, her ingenuity has captured attention far beyond the island.
Her video, shared on Facebook, has amassed over 177,000 views and sparked a lively debate: Are these examples of the renowned "Cuban inventiveness," or are they simply adaptations born out of longstanding shortages?
Turning Trash Into Treasure: A Cuban Perspective
“Here in Cuba, we don't throw anything away,” Vanessa explains as she begins her tour of the items she has preserved at home. “Sometimes what looks like trash is actually gold.” She demonstrates her creative use of egg cartons, cutting and burning them to repel mosquitoes, transforms small condiment containers into holders for salt and sugar, and carefully stores numerous glass jars and paint buckets for water storage.
Vanessa’s explanation highlights a daily challenge faced by millions of Cubans. “In other countries, paint buckets are discarded. Here in Cuba, they're cleaned and used to collect water," she states. "The water situation is tough, so we have to save it.”
Creative Solutions Amidst Water and Power Struggles
The water crisis in Cuba has forced many families to store water whenever it is available, a necessity worsened by frequent power outages and a deteriorating water infrastructure. This culture of making do extends to home appliances as well.
According to Vanessa, appliances are "repaired over and over because each one is expensive, so it’s better to fix what’s broken than to buy new." In a resourceful demonstration, she uses a clothing iron and newspaper to straighten her hair, instead of a purpose-built hair iron.
Global Reactions to Cuban Ingenuity
The video has elicited responses from across Latin America and Europe. Viewers from countries like Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic pointed out that repurposing containers and fixing items isn't unique to Cuba. "I didn’t live in Colombia, but in Cuba," one commenter quipped, noting the similar resourcefulness in Colombia.
However, others noted a distinction: recycling by choice differs from reusing because replacing broken items is difficult or costly. A user from Spain remarked, “Some of us also recycle everything, but it’s more a matter of choice. Your situation is forced, and you don’t deserve it.”
The Resilient Spirit of Cuban Innovation
Reactions from within Cuba ranged from humor to resignation. “I live in Cuba and didn’t know, should I laugh or cry?” a Cuban commented. Another resident of Havana summed up the adaptive spirit with a well-known Cuban saying: “What we don’t know, we invent. We live by inventiveness and storytelling.”
The use of burnt egg cartons to ward off mosquitoes also prompted warnings. “That doesn’t repel mosquitoes. It just pollutes the air and harms your lungs if inhaled,” a user cautioned.
This video joins a series of viral content showcasing the improvised solutions many Cubans employ to tackle everyday shortages. Earlier in September, another Cuban shared her technique for reusing charcoal, a video that garnered over half a million views.
Vanessa concludes her tour with a phrase that encapsulates the spirit of her video and, for many viewers, the daily reality in Cuba: “As Cubans, we will always invent.”
Exploring Cuban Resourcefulness and Innovation
What does Vanessa Laura's video highlight about Cuban life?
Vanessa Laura's video highlights the resourcefulness and creativity of Cubans in repurposing everyday objects to cope with shortages and economic challenges.
Why do Cubans repurpose and repair objects?
Cubans repurpose and repair objects because replacing broken items can be difficult or costly due to economic constraints and shortages.
How have viewers from other countries reacted to the video?
Viewers from countries like Colombia and Spain have noted similar practices in their own lives, while also acknowledging that in Cuba, such practices are often a necessity rather than a choice.