Saving the Planet, One Bowl at a Time
Rainforest Bowls started out with two goals in mind: to protect and nurture rainforests around the world and to reshape our dining experience.
We first began offering coconut bowls, made from discarded coconut shells and refined by talented master artisans from rural Vietnam. Instead of being left to rot in a landfill or be burned as waste, coconuts are given new life as beautiful, all-natural kitchen products for more people to enjoy.
But we knew there was more we could do.
The Rainforest Bowls Philosophy
Rainforest Bowls started out with two goals in mind: to protect and nurture rainforests around the world and to reshape our dining experience.
We first began offering coconut bowls, made from discarded coconut shells and refined by talented master artisans from rural Vietnam. Instead of being left to rot in a landfill or be burned as waste, coconuts are given new life as beautiful, all-natural kitchen products for more people to enjoy.
But we knew there was more we could do.
From Tree To Table
We partner with local family-owned businesses of master artisans from developing regions around the world, including:
- Ben Tre, Vietnam
- Hanoi and Thanh Hoa, Vietnam
- East and Central Java, Indonesia
- Sfax, Tunisia
Using age-old woodworking techniques, woodworkers incorporate local tradition and culture into every piece in our line, giving a rare touch and story behind each of our products. Through our artisan-made offerings, we aim to support the livelihoods of our global network of artisans, champion the tradition of woodworking, and bring the talents of these artisans to the world stage.
Our Business Model
A sustainable and equitable world may sound far-fetched, but we like to shoot for the moon when it comes to what we believe in. From sourcing to packaging, everything we do, we do with purpose and passion for the world we live in.
As we grow, our values remain the same.
Sustainability
We make sure that the materials used for creating our products are ethically sourced. We also use recycled paper and eco-friendly cardboard boxes to package our products.
Social Equity and Diversity
We partner with family-owned businesses from different cultures and have built a team from diverse backgrounds for diverse customers. Gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, and accessibility—we work better when we’re equal.
Transparency
We’re on a journey to continuous learning and improvement. We’re committed to being open about our process and empowering our customers with honest information.
Preserving Tradition With Quality Artisanship
Nurturing the art of woodworking is essential to protecting time-honored traditions and cultures. By focusing on the quality of each product, we strive to deliver the best of what today’s artisans have to offer and ensure that it meets the expectations of our customers.
Message from our founder
It was clear from the beginning that we want Rainforest Bowls to be a brand that has a bigger purpose than retailing all-natural kitchenware and home accessories.
In 2019, we began by selling bowls made from discarded coconut shells sourced straight from family-run artisanal wood shops in Vietnam. We not only saw the beauty in each polished shell but also a future where social entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices were the norm.
We have a lot more to do to reach this future. As part of our commitment to 1% for the Planet, we commit to donating more than 1% to tree planting charities. To date, we've donated more than 2% of our lifetime revenue to fund tree planting carried out by non-profits Trees for the Future and One Tree Planted.
It was clear from the beginning that we want Rainforest Bowls to be a brand that has a bigger purpose than retailing all-natural kitchenware and home accessories.
In 2019, we began by selling bowls made from discarded coconut shells sourced straight from family-run artisanal wood shops in Vietnam. We not only saw the beauty in each polished shell but also a future where social entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices were the norm.
We have a lot more to do to reach this future. To date, we have planted over 100,000 trees in Vietnam and South Africa as part of our 1 Million Trees initiative. We also continue to donate more than 2% of our annual revenues to 1% For the Planet to help fund other global initiatives that protect, conserve, and revive our planet.
Billy Buckles
Founder
Rainforest Bowls