Why is it the terror in our Lakes, Dams and Rivers?
The common water hyacinth is an aquatic plant native to South America, and extremely invasive! Water hyacinth is the fastest-growing plant ever known, doubling its population in two weeks. It wreaks havoc on ecosystems, choking waterways and depleting oxygen levels for aquatic life.
On the shores of Lake Victoria, fishermen struggle to navigate through islands of weed. Mike Otieno established an initiative to transform the invasive plant into an eco-friendly resource, boosting local livelihoods and providing sustainable solutions.
Since our collaboration with Mike Otieno in 2021, we have secured orders worth 20,000 kg of paper waste and over 5,000 kg of hyacinth weed for our crackers to use as raw materials. This initiative not only mitigates the impact of invasive water hyacinth but also creates valuable resources for local communities.
Mike's local efforts serve as a global model for turning invasive species into sustainable resources. By transforming water hyacinth into useful products, Mike has inspired similar projects worldwide, promoting ecological balance and community development.
Using the uniquely blended hyacinth paper, we handcraft luxury celebration crackers, gift bags, greeting cards, gift tags and more - blending sustainability with artistry. Every piece is plastic-free, biodegradable, and designed to bring joy while protecting the planet.
