Turning Scraps into Strength: Tenshon's Upcycled Bags Supporting Kenyan Communities

August 19, 2025

Giving Back Through Our Craft

At Tenshon, we've always prioritized giving back in ways that align with our core work.

We specialize in designing and manufacturing durable shade structures that shield people from harsh sun, using high-quality polypropylene mesh that's strong, breathable, and built to withstand years of exposure.

These materials not only protect patios, playgrounds, and commercial spaces, but they are also engineered for reliability in extreme conditions.

But like any fabrication process, we're left with surplus remnants. And this means that Tenshon’s robust, UV-resistant fabric scraps. Scraps that retain all the toughness of our full products are sometimes wasted.

Rather than let them sit unused, we recognized an opportunity to repurpose them, extending their utility far beyond shade solutions and into direct community support.

Partnering for Purpose: Collaborating with Light of Love.

This initiative took shape through our partnership with Light of Love, a mission-driven organization dedicated to serving vulnerable populations worldwide.

In Kenya, Light of Love serves with Bright Hope ministry and the Mathare Community Outreach. Light of Love spends time in the Mathare Slums at the local schools, churches, visiting locals in the homes, helping with a feeding program, visiting the Kariobangi Children's Home, and taking the children on field trips. This mission trip ends with a Safari in the Masai Mara.

Our friends at Light of Love focus on underserved areas like the Mathare Valley, one of Nairobi's most densely populated and resource-scarce urban settlements, where even basic items like sturdy bags for carrying food, clothing, or supplies are scarce.

A Spark of Inspiration: Spotting the Perfect Fit for Our Fabric

When we heard about the need for strong, reusable tote bags in these communities, something clicked! Our surplus shade fabric, with its durability and weather resistance, was perfectly suited for the task.

It could handle the rigors of daily use in tough environments, from dusty streets to heavy loads, without tearing or fading.

This wasn't just about recycling. It was about channeling our expertise into practical tools that address real hardships.

So, we got to work, transforming remnants into bags that bridge the gap between waste and necessity.

Crafting Durability: How We Build Each Bag

Each bag starts with our leftover polypropylene mesh, the same fabric trusted in our shade sails and canopies for its high tensile strength, UV protection, and breathability.

We cut and stitch them by hand right here at Tenshon, ensuring every seam is reinforced for maximum longevity.

The result is a product that's not only tough enough to endure repeated washing and heavy use but also versatile, with a design that adapts to varying needs.

These bags provide a reliable means for families to transport essentials, offering a quiet boost to their daily resilience and self-reliance.

This effort began humbly and organically, sparked by a simple conversation that led to unexpected impact…

“This effort began organically, without any grand plans or formal campaigns. It started when a friend visiting from Chicago shared stories from her recent mission trip to the region, highlighting the urgent need for durable bags.

We offered to help by sending a few prototypes on her next visit to test if they'd hold up, and they did, proving practical and effective.

From there, we simply ramped up production in our spare time at the shop, fabricating everything locally before shipping.”

–Jordan Lynde, Owner, TENSHON.com

Extending the Reach: Impact at Natoot Farm and Beyond

And the impact goes beyond Mathare Valley.

These vibrant, repurposed bags are also making their way to Natoot Farm, a region plagued by drought and poverty.

Natoot Farm in Turkana County, Kenya, is a community-led initiative focused on transforming lives through sustainable agriculture.

It's a project of Bright Hope International, aiming to move from aid dependency to self-sufficiency by empowering local farmers.

The farm provides a source of food, income, and a sense of community for over 135 families in the arid region.

There, local farmers, many of them women, are transforming barren land into green, food-producing plots.

With each harvest, they now use Tenshon bags to carry vegetables, fruits, and grains to local markets, connecting their labor to livelihood.

To date, we've sent 329 of these bags, turning what could have been scrap into a steady stream of support.

Our Bags Are Built to Last

● Handmade locally at Tenshon in Mesa, Arizona

● Sized at 17” high x 22” wide with an expandable pleated bottom

● Made with varied colors, depending on available materials

● Extremely durable, washable, and reusable for long-term use

At Tenshon, we’re proud to stand in the shade of something greater than ourselves. Through partnership, creativity, and a bit of leftover fabric, we’re helping others carry the weight, literally.

About Tenshon

Tenshon, headquartered in Mesa, Arizona, has been a leader in shade solutions for over a decade.

We specialize in custom and standard shade sails, canopies, and structures, serving residential and commercial clients worldwide with innovative, high-quality products that enhance outdoor spaces.

Our commitment to excellence extends to sustainability and community impact, ensuring every aspect of our work creates lasting value.