The amazing people who make the bamboo cutlery, straws, straw bags and up-cycled produce bags are part of a social enterprise called Gumi Bamboo, based on the island of Lombok, Indonesia. This incredible group was set up to offer women, many of whom were working in stone-mining, a safer working environment and better income to support their families…all whilst raising awareness about the plastic problem. The flexibility of working as bamboo crafters means they can enjoy more quality family time whilst being paid a fair wage. The bamboo is sourced from a community forestry, a government scheme where local communities manage and use the land for environmental projects which in turn helps preserve the forest. Not only this but the social enterprise helps educate local communities within Lombok about the importance of sustainable living and responsible consumption. They run a Lombok Plastic Free Campaign where 5% of overseas sales goes directly into helping local cafes and restaurants become single-use plastic free, helping change mindsets and raise awareness of the plastic problem. I am so proud to work with this incredible group and now you know who you are supporting when you buy from myReusables.
To learn more about this amazing group please have a read here.