Tarps Around the World: Unique Uses You Never Knew About
By Lisa "Tarp Explorer" Daniels
Tarps might seem like an ordinary tool, but around the world, they’re a staple of creativity, survival, and everyday life. From bustling markets in Asia to makeshift homes in disaster zones, tarps take on many forms and functions depending on where you are. Here’s a global tour of how tarps are used in fascinating and unexpected ways.
1. Market Stalls in Southeast Asia
In countries like Thailand and Vietnam, brightly colored tarps are the backbone of street markets. Vendors use them to protect goods from the scorching sun and sudden downpours. Walk through any bustling market, and you’ll see tarps doubling as roofs, walls, and even flooring—keeping the goods and vendors dry while adding a splash of vibrant color to the scene.
2. Shelter in Disaster Zones
Around the world, tarps are lifesaving tools in areas struck by natural disasters. Organizations like the Red Cross distribute tarps as temporary shelters to those who have lost their homes. In regions affected by hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods, tarps provide quick protection from the elements, giving displaced families a place to regroup and recover.
3. Farming in Sub-Saharan Africa
In many rural African communities, tarps are used to dry crops like maize and coffee beans. Spread across the ground, they prevent crops from absorbing moisture and ensure farmers can produce high-quality harvests. Tarps are also used to cover harvested crops during transport, protecting them from dust and rain.
4. Festivals in South America
From vibrant street parades in Brazil to cultural festivals in Peru, tarps are often used to create temporary stages, shade tents, and seating areas. In many cases, these tarps are decorated or dyed to match the theme of the event, making them both functional and festive.
5. Floating Rafts in the Philippines
In the Philippines, resourceful fishermen use tarps to create small floating rafts for fishing or transporting goods across waterways. Lightweight and waterproof, tarps serve as an affordable and effective solution for navigating rivers and streams.
6. Nomadic Homes in Mongolia
While traditional Mongolian gers (yurts) are made of felt and canvas, modern nomadic communities sometimes use tarps as an additional weatherproof layer. Tarps are placed over the roofs of gers to protect against heavy rain or snow, extending the lifespan of these traditional homes.
7. Roadside Repairs in Rural India
In rural parts of India, tarps are essential for mobile mechanics and small roadside businesses. They’re often used to set up makeshift repair shops, offering shade and shelter while mechanics work on everything from bicycles to tractors. The tarp becomes a workspace, a tool, and a protective cover all in one.
8. Environmental Protection in Europe
Across Europe, tarps are used in environmental projects like reforestation and erosion control. Large tarps cover exposed soil to prevent erosion during storms, while others are used to protect seedlings in tree nurseries. These tarps play a vital role in preserving ecosystems.
9. Winter Sports in North America
In snowy regions of North America, tarps are often used to cover ski lifts and outdoor equipment during the off-season. They also make great sleds for kids (and kids-at-heart) who want to improvise some downhill fun without the expense of a store-bought sled.
10. Desert Shade in the Middle East
In arid regions like the Middle East, tarps are a necessity for creating shade in markets, camps, and homes. They’re used to block out intense sunlight, cooling the area underneath and making life in the desert more bearable.
The Universal Tool
Whether it’s drying crops, building shelters, or shading a festival, tarps are an unsung global hero. Their versatility and affordability make them invaluable across cultures and industries. The next time you use a tarp, think of it as more than just a cover—think of it as part of a worldwide story of ingenuity and resourcefulness.
How have you used a tarp? Share your unique story in the comments—we’d love to hear it!