Kayu Bags
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
STRAW : Using natural organic straw not synthetic straw that is so common in the marketplace. Natural straw is readily available and is grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizer. Eventually this straw will decompose.The natural straw that has been harvested, stripped and dyed by hand. We mainly work with seagrass a fast growing grass traditionally known as a weed.
The majority of “straw” on the market is made of plastic which stays in our ecosystem forever. Our straw fades with time giving it a unique patina. Eventually this straw will biodegrade and return to the earth.
These artisans are working towards zero waste by upcycling our factory scraps into small accessories and donating our straw scraps for use as fertilizer.
ETHICAL MANUFACTURINGThe straw is woven by women in cooperatives in the Philippines and assembled by a family owned factory in Manila. These women were taught to weave by their mother’s and mothers mothers. They often weave from home allowing them to look after their children and earn an additional source of income.
The monogramming is done by new immigrant women in San Francisco. These women often do not speak English and have difficulty finding work. Our program trains them and gives them an alternative source of income.
In addition, our products are handmade curtailing the use of machinery and energy consumption.
SHELLWe use natural shell that has been farmed and are not endangered. These include Abalone shell, Black Lip shell and Mother of Pearl. Often these shells are by-products of the food industry and find new life in our bags.
