True to its role as a socially responsible retailer, Banyan Tree Gallery features this collection to promote earth-friendly and sustainable collections to increase environmental awareness. The leaves from the Tong Tung tree, endemic in the forests of Northern Thailand, are highly sustainable and multifunctional. The leaves can be used as packaging, food wrapping as well as for roof thatching.
The local community from Northern Thailand is actively involved in this gainful endeavour as they provide the materials for this innovative collection. The leaves are gathered from May to September, the period when the trees shed their leaves. After the leaves are collected, they are processed and dried for many days to protect them from getting mouldy. Then, the leaves are laminated and treated with a waterproof coating to ensure durability and quality before going to production.
The Giving Leaf Collection
Paying homage to Earth Day, the Giving Leaf Collection comprises unique and functional lifestyle accessories which are handcrafted with leaves.
Available in Banyan Tree Gallery outlets found in Bangkok, Phuket, Bintan, Vabbinfaru and Seychelles, this range includes a bag (THB 1350), pencil case (THB 450-490), placemat (THB 690), coaster (THB 129), cosmetic bag (THB 390-590) and ladies’ wallet (THB 690).
Contribution to Green Imperative Fund
From 1 April to 30 June 2015, Banyan Tree Gallery will contribute 5% of the total sales revenue generated from the Earth Day Collection to Banyan Tree Group’s Green Imperative Fund (GIF), which
was established in 2002. GIF provides critical financial support to worthy environmental action and community based projects at all Banyan Tree and Angsana properties, such as the Turtle Head Start and Coral Protection and Growth programmes. To give back to the communities supporting its resorts, Banyan Tree conducts regular educational and health enrichment initiatives, and also provides scholarships for primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education for the underprivileged.
For further information and online purchases, please visit Banyan Tree Gallery’s website at banyantreegallery.com.