Model Lily Cole introduces jewelry line with sustainable rubber

Today, British model/actress Lily Cole introduced her jewelry collection with Sky Rainforest Rescue and Stylistpick made from sustainably sourced rubber from the Amazon rainforest.

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.

Rubber tapping works with a tapper, who cuts the latex vessels of a rubber tree to allow the latex to flow from the tree. With rubber tapping, the tree is not cut down, and if the process is done carefully, the tree can be fine and latex can be extracted through tapping for up to five years. It also provides jobs to the indigenous groups living in the area.

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.

“One of the reasons I was excited to join this campaign was to explore the rubber industry as a vehicle for green economics, which, if scaled, I see as offering real hope to the rainforest," Cole said. "However, if in the future the value of wild rubber can exceed what can be made from products that cause deforestation, then there is the real potential for a sustainable green economy.”

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.

Eco-friendly rain boots

Capelli New York Cowboy Solid
in Purple (vegan), $38.90,
whatapair.com

Though umbrellas complete the outfit, rainy season is really for the rain boot. They could be made of rubber, leather, and other materials not exactly contributing to the environment in a positive way. This season, there's more of an eco-friendly selection of rain boots.

Vegan rain boots are easier to find since many companies don't use animal by-products such as leather or fur to make the boot. But on the other hand, some still do, so check the label for its contents. 

Chooka Rain Boot in Turquoise
(natural rubber),$59.99,
whatapair.com

Natural rubber is an eco-friendly material. It's extracted from plants and trees without destroying the source even though it's still affected. With synthetic rubber, chemicals create the substance, and it's more widely used. Now, rain boots using natural rubber have a larger availability than before. 

Infamously, the rain boot is popular for its crazy designs, favoring the younger crowd, but you can still wear a sturdy, fashionable rain boot for school and the workplace. 

Cougar Cutie Rain Boot (vegan),
$49.99, whatapair.com

Solid colors, a mixture of dark colors, or two-color designs are great choices.
If you feel safer without the splash of bright color, try the solid black, brown, or beige rain boot. 

Also, unique designs like the shorter ankle boot and the cowboy style above can make your rainy day shoes stand out even more.