Mbare, Ltd. - Green from the Beginning

Bogart, GA, August 15, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Since its inception, Mbare has specialized in African imports with materials derived exclusively from recycled or sustainable sources. Additionally, Mbare’s trade practices adhere to fair trade principles, thus helping both the environment and the people in it to thrive.

Mbare’s fresh new options, on display at the NY International Gift Fair next week, will be no exception to Mbare’s longstanding commitment to earth-friendly practices and humane labor principles. Typical of their company selection, the new additions will be a unique twist on traditional African art.

First in the lineup of introductions is the Firewoods Collection. This vibrant, warm, hand-made combination of hardwood and stainless steel or pewter tabletop accessories has caught the attention of all who have glimpsed them. From tea light candle holders to napkin rings, these items exude a sophisticated and earth friendly flair.

As a welcome addition Jabulani Jewellery, a color obsessed contemporary Zulu beadwork accessories line displays a distinctive craft of beadwork and is a trademark of South Africa's proud heritage. These must-have accessories tweak traditional Zulu beadwork skills resulting in a vibrant variety of ethnic beaded jewelry and accessories.

Creating Employment

The manufacturing processes of all Mbare products are low tech and labor intensive. Thus, the products require less from the earth and more from the hands of humans; increasing opportunities for employment and decreasing our impact on the environment. Such remains the case with the newly added lines. Fireworks explains, “Rural South Africans who would usually burn tamboti, wild olive, and red ivory wood are now earning an income by gathering these woods and manufacturing the product. The manufacturing process supplies much needed jobs as well as an awareness and appreciation for the value of our natural resources. It is in rural areas that unemployment is at its highest and where jobs are the most needed. In buying this you are helping Create Jobs in some of the neediest areas in the world.”

Jubalani also holds steadfast to social aims, “We have established an honest and open trading relationship with a rural community, which has one of the highest incidences of HIV/AIDS in the world. At Jabulani we believe that by paying a fair price for skill and effort, we foster respect and dignity. As a result, we have witnessed a wonderful improvement in the quality of our beadwomen's lives. Every handcrafted Zulu beaded jewellery piece, curio or artifact that is purchased helps to sustain the lives of real people.”

Sustainability

Mbare offers a wide range of earth-friendly gift items. From their soda-pop bottle top totes to their painted tin animals, their metal products are transformed from a variety of waste metals into a gift to behold. Their wooden products are generally made from non-indigenous, “waste” woods which would otherwise be cut down and/or burned due to their invasive nature. Your purchase stops the process of wasteful manufacture and contributes to the well being of humans around the world.

For more information or high-resolution imaging of theirr products (old or new), please visit our website at mbare.com, or contact Robbie Stewart by calling 706.354.1445 or e-mail Robbie at robbie@mbare.com.

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