Leakey Jewerly Strands
Hi all, sharing another new favorite eco-fabulous discovery (that’s a legal TGAAD purchase): the Leakey Jewelry Collection, created by Phillip and Katy Leakey, the youngest son, and his wife, of Drs. Louis and Mary Leakey.
Who were Drs. Louis and Mary Leakey? Glad you asked! Louis and Mary Leakey are famous paleo-anthropologists, perhaps best known for establishing the human evolutionary link in Africa, and their work at Olduvai. A young Jane Goodall (think chimps), a personal hero, got her start under the tutelage of Louis Leakey. Philip and Katy Leakey, who live in the Kenyan bush among the Maasai, wanted to provide work opportunities and help the environment while honoring the local culture.
Why I love the line:
1. The colorful strands are light-weight, beautiful and fun to wear (I like to pile them on and mix and match)
2. The ingenious beads are eco-friendly and made by Maasai women in Kenya using a special grass (read the much richer background here)
3. Harvesting the grass helps preserve wetlands (the Maasai are historically a herding culture, there was a drought and their cattle don’t like “old” hard bits of grass — who would? Previously, the grasslands were burned to make way for new sprouts, destroying wetlands in the process)
4. Making the beads provides income for Maasai women, funds local education and helps put and keep Maasai kids in school
5. Did I mention the beautiful designs?
How is this relevant to TGAAD? If you’re really, really tired of the same old same old (as I am) accessorize! and b) when the diet’s over, we can make a difference with the choices we make. Would love to hear about other eco-friendly and socially-conscious fashions. Please post your favorites here!
Sally, perhaps we can create a special page with sustainable fashion links?
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