It’s reported that up to billions tons of garbage ends up in the ocean and landfills every year. In an effort to lessen that number and breathe new life into reusable waste, Amarildo Silva from Brazil, 23, has developed a simple yet valuable hobby for sustainability.
A store cashier by day and craftsman by night, Silva collects discarded tires and transforms them into eco-friendly and comfortable beds for animals. With his family’s help, he gathers every tire he can find from the streets or the landfills.
Collection time.
Cleaning, check.
This hardworking man would then clean the tires one by one and paint beautiful designs on them. Then, he would fit a circular mattress in the tire for a more comfortable feel.
Let the decorations begin!
Proud of his craft, he began selling these beds on his Instagram, which quickly became extremely popular. Silva has sold more than 500 tire-beds in just two years!
His beds are adorable!
He currently only delivers to Brazilian addresses, but he has received requests for orders from Europe, North America, and Asia. What began as a side hobby quickly turned into a business.
And the pets love them.
A craftsman turned businessman.
The best part? His hobby has been an amazing help in minimizing waste. Taking a leaf from his success, he also produces flowerpots and containers from reusable materials.
His handiwork is gorgeous.
A man with a heart of gold, Silva also takes care of abandoned animals and keen on holding educational talks in schools to bring awareness to the younger generation.
Tire talk.
Isn’t it amazing how a small business idea can become an ecological initiative? If he can, so can you!
Credit: Brightside