The Sky Rainforest Rescue approached Cole on producing jewelry with sustainable rubber from Acre, Brazil, an area my organization works with on reducing carbon emissions from deforestation. Since rainforest-derived rubber will always be in high demand, the Sky Rainforest Rescue wanted to promote a way to extract rubber without harming the tree.
Rubber tapping in Brazil. Image: rainforestalliance.org. |
Over the years, rubber tappers learned to not make deep incisions that would harm the tree. There are about 25,000 rubber tappers in the state of Acre, according to the Inter-American Development Bank, which funds the Acre Sustainable Development Program.
In the marketplace, Amazonian wild rubber is still overshadowed by cheap synthetic rubber and unsustainable rubber from plantations created post-deforestation.
The limited edition line already sold out on the first day. The total 100% of profits will support Sky Rainforest Rescue and World Wildlife Fund’s work to help save one billion trees and provide opportunities to the local communities.
Eugenia-Khaki, stylistpick.com. |
Rollinia-Nude Bracelet, stylistpick.com. |
Inga-Ochre Necklace, stylistpick.com. |