September 18, 2007

Fabulous Finds: "Soleful" Purpose The Scoop on Poop Recycling...

by Jessica Okon

I admit this may be the most disgusting article you’ve read yet…but only at first glance. Then, I promise, you’ll love the idea! And, you’ll laugh…oh, will you laugh… So, here goes… One of my favorite colloquialisms has always been “you can’t polish a turd.” Crass, yes, but most often true. Whoever initially coined said phrase, however, obviously was unaware of elephant poop.

Okay, elephant poo is not shiny, but it can be made into beautiful (and odorless) paper products. Yes, it’s true. Taking the concept of sustainability to a whole new level, The Great Elephant Poo Poo Paper Company (www.poopoopaper.com) sells just that: stationary, cards and notebooks made from elephant dung derived paper.

According to the company, 25 large sheets of paper can be made from one pile of the stinky stuff. But really, the paper itself does not stink whatsoever and it’s actually quite beautiful. (You can see it all in the website’s “Poo-tique.”) The elephant poopies are collected from conservation parks across the world, dried out, rinsed and the fibrous remains of the various plants the elephants chow on are processed into the paper. A portion of the company’s proceeds is allocated to conservation and welfare programs for elephants. I am under the impression that the folks behind the paper goods are not full of poop themselves.

When you see the paper, you’ll be amazed that it even came from dung. Available in vibrant colors, but with a natural edge about it, the sturdy stationery is made sans any tree falling down. Can you say incredibly novel and eco-friendly gift? No shit! (Sorry, couldn’t resist…)

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