The "Mujeres rurales, Naturaleza y Terapia" project selected as a beneficiary in the 2024 Solidarios Nacionales call by Grupo Tragsa (Garantía Profesional. Servicio Público | Tragsa), aims to create therapeutic tools from 100% natural fibers. The initiative focuses on providing support for children and young people with autism and individuals with dementia, including Alzheimer’s. The project also seeks to enhance knowledge transmission and strengthen intergenerational ties in rural areas, engaging 60 women from Sobrarbe region in Huesca (Spain).
In partnership with the EWE Foundation, the project will promote the use of these therapeutic tools across Europe, particularly within institutions related to autism and Alzheimer’s care. This effort is part of Grupo Tragsa's CSR plan, which supports nonprofit organizations in improving and modernizing rural Spain. As a highlight, two of the crafted tools will compete in the European WOOL4HEALTH Awards 2024 in Madrid (Spain), further raising awareness about the therapeutic benefits of natural fibers and showcasing the significant contributions of rural women.
Increasing scientific research shows that exposure to plastic-based textiles (such as acrylic and polyester) can negatively impact human health due to high bisphenol-A and parabens content. These compounds can disrupt hormonal balance by acting as endocrine disruptors, leading to serious health issues such as attention deficit, genitourinary alterations, premature secondary sexual development, obesity, and hormone-dependent cancers. The effects on infants, children, and vulnerable individuals are particularly concerning, making these textiles unsuitable for premature babies. For more information, please refer to research by Dr. Nicolás Olea: Concentrations of bisphenol A and parabens in socks for infants and young children in Spain and their hormone-like activities - PubMed (nih.gov).
From an environmental perspective, washing plastic-based textiles releases microplastics that pollute rivers and oceans, harm sea life, and ultimately enter our food chain. Check the Label (ewe.network).
Link to media
Las mujeres del Eco de Aínsa tejen manguitos sensoriales para personas con alzheimer y autismo - Sobrarbe Digital
Manguitos sensoriales tejidos a mano en Aínsa para personas con alzhéimer y autismo (heraldo.es)
https://soundcloud.com/sobrarbedigital0102/beatriz-salcedo-concejala-de-ainsa
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