Eco-friendly gifts in Madrid: the story of Ecomanía
Ecomanía is a pioneer in Madrid. One of the first to bring a real alternative of sustainable shopping to the Spanish capital. A shop which never lost its passion and perseverance for sustainability and responsible items. We had a talk with Cesar, to get to know the story behind this lovely shop.
Hi Cesar! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I’m Cesar, owner of Ecomanía. My background is in no way related to ecology, though my awareness and convictions have always been on the environment, respect for nature and responsible use of resources. With as a goal to obtain that our planet is more livable for all the species that inhabit it.
What is the history behind your shop and what is the concept?
Ecomanía was founded in 2009, already years have passed since its inauguration. I’m the only person behind this project, although many people in my surroundings support me, especially my family. It’s an atypical business, focused entirely on searching a solution for the waste and footprint problem. Not like most businesses, only focused on generating revenue. This doesn’t mean that Ecomanía doesn’t remunerate its work, but it’s not the principal objective. Our first objective is to create awareness on how creativity, doing things properly and solidarity, can create beautiful projects, while minimizing the environmental footprint.
You can find three kinds of items at Ecomanía. Recycled, fair trade, and natural/bio. All of them share the same philosophy of respect for the environment, and doing as least damage as possible.
My first idea was to create a shop with alternative products to the mainstream, which would need to have a low impact, and primarily made with waste materials. It worries me that waste is present everywhere you look. In the sea, in forests, in the air, in cities and in parks. For that, I believe that if we create value to all the waste, we will consider them differently. The ultimate goal is to reach a society where the waste-level is 0.
How do you aim to contribute to sustainability? And how is Madrid doing in that field?
I try to communicate a lot with my clients. Telling the stories of where the products come from, helps a lot with creating awareness.
The environmental policies of the city council seem insufficient and short-term only to me. In any case, it’s not my ambition and I don’t know the plans and policies of the administration, but it seems to me that they are running way behind the things they should be doing.
Do you have some sustainable places in Madrid to recommend? Some of your favourite places?
If you’re searching shops, I really recommend the Chueca neighbourhood. Besides loads of independent businesses, it’s also the neighbourhood in Madrid with most eco-friendly shops.
The parks that I most often go to are the largest of the zone where I live. I have two dogs, so I bring them for a walk quite often to the Parque de Tierno Galvál, which is amazing to go with them. As well as the Casa de Campo and the Parque del Oeste.
Thanks a lot Cesar!
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More info of Ecomanía: in our review
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