Earth Friendly and Sustainable Products

Much of our items at Ten Thousand Villages are earth friendly, made from recycled or sustainable materials.  Why is this important?  It provides our artisans with sustainable natural resources they are able to use to create their products.  In return, the customer receives an item that is not only useful, they can really feel great about.  Go fair trade, go green!

In Vietnam, water hyacinth is an aquatic weed, forming a tangled web of roots and runners that clog up waterways, navigation routes, and causes flooding.  This fast growing weed will also destroy native plants and wildlife habitats.  Because of its rapid growth rate, water hyacinth can be harvested without damaging the environment.  The leaves are cut away, the stem is split, and the pulp is removed.  It is dried in the sun and treated with a salt solution to protect it from fungus.  The pieces can be braided or layered to create new items.  At Ten Thousand Villages we carry a variety of baskets made from water hyacinth that are not only strong but also make for very attractive decor.

Recycled glass is also carried by Ten Thousand Villages.  Our artisans in Bangladesh create water pitchers and glasses out of it.  They start by purchasing batches of broken glass from a wholesaler.  The glass is completely cleaned and dried in the sun.  It is heated in a large furnace until it is of a gel-like consistency.  It is finally blown or molded into certain shapes.

Looking for something recycled that is even more unique?  How about... photo frames and bottle openers made from bike chain ... a bag made of upcycled saris ... hotmats and bowls made of coiled newspaper ... furniture made from reclaimed hardwood ... recycled aluminum bowls and trays.