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.Although neither John nor I have a great sense of sentimentality over things, a few of our belongings make us feel something when we look at them. As you would expect, many of these were found or purchased while traveling; the yerba mate gourd from Chile, the Japanese kokeshi dolls. Some are heirlooms, others are our toys, a.k.a. gear. Surprisingly, some are our placemats.
Several years ago, a friend or ours tried to get into the Chinese chopsticks market. Sadly, being neither Chinese nor associated with any of those who have produces chopsticks for this market for generations, this did not work out. What we did remember from his experience was the huge number of disposable wooden or bamboo chopsticks used each year, some 45 billion pairs are used and tossed each year.
So, when we came upon a mirco-business which makes basket and soap holders from used (and sanitized) chopsticks, we were delighted. They are incredibly durable (almost indestructible) and easy to clean. We have in our home baskets, soap dishes, and placemats (although I am told that the placemats have been discontinued, the cost of putting them together is higher than what people will pay for them.) They serve as a daily reminder to us to think green, and look for ways we can help the environment in our own lives.
The company is called Kwytza, Chinese for chopsticks, on the web at www.chopstickart.com.
