 |
| A Greater Gift is a program of SERRV International, a nonprofit organization with nearly 60 years of experience trading in a way that benefits everyone involved. Through long-term partnerships with low-income people around the world, we offer fair pay for labor, promote the equality of women, support healthy working conditions and coordinate development projects such as product quality and design training. Our goal is to alleviate poverty and empower people through trade, training and other forms of capacity building as they work to improve their lives. As a nonprofit, all proceeds from your purchases are reinvested in broadening the impact of these partnerships with people in our global community. | ||
| Material: | Tagua seed | |
| country: | Ecuador | |
| email: | ||
| URL: |
www.agreatergift.org | |
 |
 |
Opportunity grows on trees in Ecuador's rainforest. The Yurac-Muyo artisans living and working in Quito's El Recreo neighborhood have found new opportunity in the seeds of the tagua fruit. The fruit, which looks like pineapple, is a renewable resource from the Amazon rainforest. |
 |
Tagua seeds are bought from local harvesters after they have been removed from the fruit. They are cleaned and dyed with natural herbs, and then polished and crafted into jewelry. Tagua seeds are also called vegetable ivory because of their strength and durability. |
| Today the five family members who make up the Yurac-Muyo group in Ecuador are helping to sustain their way of life, the lives of the tagua harvesters, and the rainforest. |