Recycled Bombshell Bangle - Handcrafted & Fair Trade
SLATE + SALT
- Price
- $26
Turning war into peace, these bangles carry a meaningful message and give back to a community once devastated by bombing. They're great for stacking and come in two sizes.
- Material: Recycled aluminum bomb parts
- Measurements: S/M 2 1/4" Inner diameter, M/L 2 5/8" Inner diameter
- Handmade with love in Laos
- As with all handcrafted goods, there are slight variations making each piece a work of art and truly one of a kind.
Artisan Profile
Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world. From 1963-1973, Laos became an unwitting pawn during the Second Indochinese War. During this time, the US Air Force dropped a planeload of cluster bombs every eight minutes for nine consecutive years. Right after the war, villagers began gathering aluminum from exploded bombs and made it into spoons. The villagers were taught this skill by a family that relocated to Ban Naphia from Houaphan Province, further north. In the early days, five families produced the recycled bomb spoons. Today, there are approximately 13 families producing more than 150,000 spoons per year from war and non-war scrap aluminum. Production has expanded to include bracelets, earrings, and pendants.
We work with artisans in Ban Naphia located in the Xieng Khuang Province who source aluminum from airplane parts and bombs dropped throughout Laos during the Secret War (Vietnam War) in the 1960s. The community which produces the recycled bomb products have all been trained by Helvetas, a Swiss NGO, on how to handle the metals safely, including smelting and cleaning the aluminum before use.
It is important to note that of all the bombs dropped in Laos, 30% did not explode. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) continues to pose a significant threat to the safety of villagers in rural Lao. In their search for scrap metal, many villagers encounter UXO and suffer catastrophic injuries. The generous spirit and ingenuity of Lao artisans is evident in our collection of recycled bomb products. War and persistent air raids in the 1960s left the countryside littered with bomb and metal shrapnel. The remnants of this legacy have been transformed into emblems of peace.
Why Closiist?
- Sustainability: Closiist is committed to eco-friendly practices. We offer a wide range of sustainable and upcycled products, reducing your environmental impact.
- Supporting Local Businesses: By shopping at Closiist, you're supporting US-based businesses and contributing to local economies.
- Unique and High-Quality Products: Closiist curates a collection of unique and high-quality products, often from smaller brands that you might not find elsewhere.
- Ethical Sourcing: Closiist prioritizes ethical sourcing and fair trade practices.
- Convenience: With free shipping on orders over $70, it's easy to shop online and have your products delivered to your doorstep.
- Impact: For every order we offset 7kgs of CO2 and rescue 2 plastic bottles from the Ocean. Check our impact here
Environmental Impact
Our efforts to reduce our CO2 emissions generated by the sending of your orders mean that today Closiist is Carbon Positive on its shipments.
We combine Sendle, that offsets shipments CO2 emissions by supporting projects around the world, with Greensparks that allow us to do more to protect our planet.
With the help of Greenspark we voluntarily offset 7kg of CO2 and remove 2 plastic bottles from the oceans with each order at no extra cost to you.
Why 7kgs (15.43 lb)?
We took the average Carbon Emission of a 2lb package ground sent from NYC to LA and multiply that number by 4.
Why 2 bottles?
Millions of plastic bottles pollute our oceans every year, two standard bottles are a daily recommended water intake. We're committed to cleaning them up.
About SLATE + SALT
Mission:
At SLATE + SALT, we're passionate about bringing you unique, ethically sourced products while making a positive impact on the world. We work directly with small social enterprises in underserved communities, providing them with fair wages and opportunities to thrive. By choosing our products, you're not just getting a beautiful item, you're also supporting sustainable practices and empowering artisans.
About the Artisans:
Every piece you purchase tells a story of craftsmanship, tradition, and social change. Our artisans, based in developing countries, use sustainable techniques to create one-of-a-kind products that reflect their rich cultural heritage. By supporting fair trade, you're helping to break the cycle of poverty, empower women entrepreneurs, and educate children.
Our Commitment:
We're committed to offering a curated collection of high-quality, handcrafted goods. Our inventory is constantly evolving as we discover new and exciting pieces. Each item is unique, reflecting the artistry and skill of its creator.
Join us on this journey of sustainable shopping and ethical living.
Shipping & Delivery
Orders are usually dispatched within 2-3 business days.
The shipping rate is calculated and displayed at checkout. Shipping is Free for all U.S. orders $70+
Shipment confirmation and order tracking:
Once your order is fulfilled, you receive a tracking number to follow your package by email. Allow 24-48 hours for the carrier to update the tracking number in its system.
We might ship your order in more than 1 package. In that case you receive a tracking number for each shipment.
Your order might be delayed in case we experience a high volume of orders. If your order fulfillment is delayed we will let you know by email asap.