Introducing the sustainable artisans of Athens

1. Bags

Balcony awnings of every colour make the streets of Athens look like a rainbow; however, any leftover fabric from when these awnings are fitted goes straight into landfills. Since 2015, circular fashion brand 3QUARTERS have salvaged about three tonnes of the stuff, slicing and stitching it into stylish handbags, backpacks and yoga bags. Visit their Monastiraki store to browse new creations.

2. Furniture

Heirloom furniture is found in many Athenian households, and the talented carpenters at Rokani are breathing new life into old wood. They take furniture that has been thrown out, then deconstruct it, sand down the raw material and upcycle it into something both affordable and aesthetically pleasing.

3. Beach gear

Bunches of dead Posidonia oceanica seagrass wash up on the Athens Riviera daily and are usually sent to landfills rather than being left to biodegrade. Instead, sustainable start-up Phee now gathers, cleans and dries the seagrass before combining what is left with wax and resin to make a composite board. This material is then crafted into everything from stylish sunglasses to mobile-phone cases.

4. Accessories

Waste plastic is one of the planet’s biggest problems, so the Théla initiative are doing their bit by putting it to good use. Plastic bags are collected from the open markets (laïki) of Athens and then washed, cut into thin strips of yarn and used to crochet new items. The initiative takes inspiration from the founder’s Indian heritage, weaving mandala-like patterns into jewellery and pretty centrepieces.

5. Stationery

Greece’s answer to The Big Issue magazine, Shedia, not only helps its (often homeless) vendors make a living, but has a creative way of recycling unsold issues. Its upcycling workshop sees leftover copies of its magazines shredded and turned into papier-mâché, which is then made into homewares, ranging from clocks to pencil pots, that can be bought at the non-profit’s shopfront in Kolokotroni.

Where to buy popular crafts in Athens

Komboloi

These strings of glass beads began as prayer counters for the monks of Mount Athos, then evolved over time into a kind of worry bead. You see them sold all over Athens, but head to Kombologadiko Exclusive in Kolonaki to watch them being made.

Leather sandals

In the 1920s, Pandrossou street was known as Athens’ shoemaking area; now Olgianna Melissinos is carrying on the legacy of her grandfather, one of the area’s original tenants, in her shop selling hand-made sandals on nearby Normanou street.

Ceramics

Get your hands around some clay at the Pottery Museum in Kerameikos – the old potters’ quarter – to learn ancient sculpting techniques, or drop by the Mon Coin Studio for contemporary pieces.

Olive oil soap

Almost every scent of soap under the sun is sold on the streets of the Plaka area; alternatively, a visit to Kyklo Zero Waste in Neapoli lets you pick up an eco-friendly soap with Ionian Sea vibes.

Embroidery

Embroidery has been taught at Athens’ Society for the Education of Young Women since 1872. Watch the Society at work in their space near Syntagma Square, then pick a piece for your own home.

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