History: During the Vietnam War, some 250 million bombs were dropped on South Asia, including Laos. The bombs that exploded left tons of debris on the land. However, 30% of the bombs did not detonate at all. They continue to explode today, more than 35 years after the war ended, killing and injuring people and destroying the land.
Creativity: The artisans of Laos began to make beautiful and useful items from the scrap aluminum littering the land, like spoons and bowls. To make a long story short, the wonderful team behind Peace Bombs, Elizabeth Suda, Wallis Suda and Gael Forterre, have created a business by working with local artisans in Laos to make bracelets, necklaces, cufflinks and spoon garden markers. They pay the artisans 4 times the going market rate.
Spirit: Article 22 refers to the clause in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that reads:
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
In accordance with the spirit of the Declaration, proceeds from the sale of Peace Bombs products go towards clearing land of unexploded ordnance and towards providing microloans for infrastructure and social projects, like bringing electricity to communities and purchasing school supplies.
Last but not least, the designs are beautiful! The round bangles and pendants are engraved with phrases like, “Dropped and Engraved in Laos,” “What Goes Around Comes Around,” “I ♥ Peace,” “New York ♥ Peace,” and others. Purchase a piece of jewelry and help clear ordnance from 3 square meters of land in Laos.
Please visit the Article 22 Peace Bomb website for much more information. Watch the film about this wonderful endeavor. Then visit Elizabeth, Wallis and Gael in person at the Union Square Holiday Market to purchase holiday gifts that make a difference for a lot of people around the world.
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