What would you do if you lived on a landfill? In Manila, the Philippine capital, the women of Smokey Mountain, once the world's biggest open garbage dump, are making the most of it. With help from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who funded microloans, and a nearby Catholic parish that manages the money, the women started an enterprise using newspaper strips to craft colorful handbags, the sales of which support their families. The handwoven purses, ranging from $46 to $72, translate well on U.S. streets and are available from Banyan Paper.
--Avital Binshtock
