Banana Fiber Jewellery

Long description

Environmental pollution is the most pressing problem in the world today, with the fashion industry being the second most polluting, accounting for 10% of global carbon emissions. to address this issue, we have implemented a circular business model to help towards a lasting solution. We make jewelry from banana fiber.

The harvesting of the stem is the first step in our manufacturing process, followed by the extraction of the fiber and weaving of the jewelry. This has given women in the rural homes of Busia, whom we train in jewelry weaving, an opportunity for economic empowerment. We reduce waste by collaborating with
farmers from whom we purchase banana stems. Additionally, we work with local artisans in Kibera, the
largest informal settlement in Nairobi, to jointly produce the brass accents we use to finish the jewelry.
Nearly all of Kenya’s indigenous communities are represented among the residents here, who hail from
various ethnic groups and have mostly settled in this area in search of stable sources of income.

Marachi culture is one of the most traditional, ethical, and long-lasting. Handwoven baskets, furniture
weaving, rope twisting, and pottery are some of the main traditional crafts practices in this community. Handwoven baskets used to serve a variety of purposes. They were used as agricultural tools for grain processing and storage, as well as transporting food to market. This sustainable culture is dwindling, which is why we are working to restore it by repurposing and using it as inspiration for our banana fiber jewelry.

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