It was the year 2005 when Irvan Damon and Gabriella Alberoni, both eco-entrepreneurs by nature, were frustrated by the mountains of colourful billboard PVC being created and so sadly being dumped, and, oh yes, we were in need of some fantastic travel bags at the times as well.
South Africa has a huge billboard footprint and we wanted to know what happened to landfill-destined billboards! So we set about to do something functional, eco-chic, less-is-more, eco-savvy, local, tough and water-resistant (for those beautiful South African high-veld storms), to help carry a super chic Mac or something eco-glam at your next green carpet premier.
“Carbon d’
Afreeque also assists in up-skilling and training the Refilwe Community Project
founded in 1991 and based in Lanseria, thus helping to support the vulnerable
children and adults in informal settlements North of Johannesburg . This NGO is
able to benefit from the positive impact that billboard recycling can have on
impoverished communities”.
So, inspired by the colourful plastic horizon on our South African highways, we designed our first clutch called “Bon-bon” (we have her framed on our living room wall) and used organic bamboo lining for the inners, and the rest is [her]story!
Since making our first clutch, we have created and produced our very own eco-lifestyle show called Hybrid Living; it is premised on the notion that one can still go green without having to sacrifice the finer things in life! Our first love though, remains saving the world one PVC skin at a time!
As powerful media and advertising tools, pvc billboards serve an important function. Carbon d' Afreeque lives the vision and mission to repurpose and revalue these discarded pvc billboards into something unique and eco-friendly, leaving a greener legacy for future generations long after the glorious Fifa World Cup 2010 has come and gone!
When we’re not saving the world one design at a time, we also are the executive producers and presenters of our eco-lifestyle show called Hybrid Living, recipient of the prestigious 2008 JHB City Parks Greening Media Award.
We also co-host Greendrinks in Johannesburg, a green network spanning more than 450 cities which meets once a month to exchange views around issues affecting our planet on a local and international level.
Finally, Gabriella has more than 15 years experience in the branding industry and Irvan holds an MASocSci (UCT 2000), Management of Petroleum Economics Programme (Wits Business School 1999) and an MPhilEng (UCT, EDRC).
We also regularly appear as guest speakers on eco-matters and Irvan also writes a green column for Men's Health Living and am currently working on my first green read for the eco-chic! Currently we also produce and host a green radio feature on 5FM called Eco-Brother, a snapshot guide to a more sustainable lifestyle!
As a funding partner, we also support Let’s Play, a corporate social responsibility initiative developed by SuperSport and partners in response to a need to elevate awareness of our social situation, the eradication of crime being one such key area. The programmes involve kids and minors, introducing and encouraging play, activity and sport in schools and at home.
Join us on our journey where the "new luxury" is not about having the most expensive item, but rather one that enhances your life experience, underscored by sustainable consumerism!
