By Tara A. Spears
While everyone talks about the need for recycling or learning Spanish, not many do it. But one dedicated woman, Viky Robelo, is doing something about these issues. When she was associated with the Amigos de Jaltemba and Rotary International groups, she got involved with local recycling efforts and is still working to make a difference. And, to make it easier for foreigners on vacation, she offers relaxed, enjoyable everyday Spanish language lessons in multiple locations. If interested, contact her directly for more information: 322 109 1227 or email: virginiarobelo@gmail.com. Viky is more than a tutor, she becomes a mentor and friend for each student regardless of age.
Many visitors and nationals know Viky from the years that she worked with the Amigos de Jaltemba group. This civic organization operated a public community center that provided a variety of services to children and adults under Viky’s direction. She personally worked with children on math, grammar, and whatever school subjects that the child needed help. She organized the adult education classes that were very popular because the participants received vocational training certificates that was a step towards qualifying for a work license without the hassle of traveling to Tepic.
She was at an employment crossroads when Covid hit. “During the pandemic, I decided to start a project called Second Chance. I planned to directly support children with their educational tasks. I thought about giving them a tool for life, learning to reduce landfill waste- that’s how SOR (Segunda oportundad reciclado) was started. Viky’s recycling philosophy is: “When clothing gets stained, many feel that’s the end of its use; I think that it’s just the beginning of something else.”
Since this coastal area has been struggling with an overload of trash and the local landfill is over capacity, Viky’s SOR/ 2nd Chance recycling is an excellent idea. What prompted her to start this program was based on research. According to Roundup.org, textile waste produces 92 million tons of textile waste every year. Clothing and textiles currently make up at least 7% of the total amount of waste in global landfill space, while 87% of the materials and fibers used to make clothing will end up in either incinerators or landfills. Only 1% of clothes will get recycled into new garments.
In 2026 we own more clothes than we used to, and we wear them less. Fifteen years ago, our wardrobes were simpler and more sustainable. But today, we find ourselves buying 60% more clothing. There are shocking long-term negative effects: On average, every single person in the world uses 11.4 kilograms of clothing every year. This produces the equivalent of 442kg of CO2 emissions per capita. Yes this negatively impacts climate change.
This is where you, dear reader, can show support for her small school by donating used clothing or other supplies. Those that are about to head to Jaltemba Bay, tuck a couple of the needed items into your suitcase- see list. After you arrive, give your used, unwanted clothes to be upcycled into clever items! The kids make adorable bags, hats, bookbags, aprons that Viky sells at the Penita Thursday market. The students are so proud when one of their original items is sold- encouraging interest in a future business. “By getting the children in the practice of reusing items at a young age, I hope it becomes a lifelong habit.”
At Viky’s second chance project, the children are led to become aware of the importance of recycling and given the opportunity to come up with creative and thoughtful solutions. One important takeaway is “Buy less, choose well: when you think about the whole picture- environment- man-animals together, recycling is the right thing to do.” When you stop by Viky’s booth at the Thursday market, you will be awed by the delightful recycled items the kids create!
Viky’s Second Chance clothing recycling is one innovative method of reducing waste in our community. The production of textiles requires significant amounts of resources, including water, energy, and raw materials. When clothing is discarded instead of being reused or recycled, these resources are wasted.
I applaud Viky’s creativity, dedication and talent, not only in recycling or as a tutor, but as a loyal friend.
