Lotka Paper: An Eco-Friendly Choice

Sandra Schwarz of Sweet Organics and Naturals, an online eco-boutique, has reached out to other women owned, sustainable companies, to offer the best in eco-friendly products.

Her recent relationship with a small woman owned company in Nepal, now allows her to offer an incredible paper made from the Lotka Bush, or Daphne Bush.

Lotka paper grows in the Himalayan mountain region at 6,500 - 10,000 feet. The paper is handmade in the mountains of Nepal from the inner bark of the bush. The Lotka paper is very strong, and is an incredible eco-friendly choice. And, here's why:

Lotka paper is handmade and sun dried, so there are no machines putting CO2 or other emissions into the air.

It's made from a bush that grows quickly and needs to be pruned every 3-4 years to grow stronger. Without pruning, it will wither and die. The root base grown during this period of regeneration keeps hillside soil more stable, and protects Nepalese villages from mudslides.

The bush grows in the shade, so no forrest are cut down to grown them . They are tiered on the mountainside.

They are grown without any chemicals.

When harvested, the artisans use the bark to make paper, and dry the stalks in the sun to use as fuel to cook with. The bark has no other purpose, so if it's not used, it would of gone to waste otherwise.

The paper is colored with azo free dyes, or organic dyes such as indigo, tree barks, and flowers, etc.

Did we mention it's absolutely beautiful?

Unlike other handmade papers we have tried in the past, Happyhippie.com is pleased to report that this paper is thick, and very durable. The gift wrap is so strong, that you can unwrap delicately,and reuse again. :)

The Lotka paper is not only good for the environment, but it helps the rural people of the Himalayan mountain region. This paper is often their only source of income. The manufacturer that Sandra uses (a small woman owned company), provides a healthy work environment and uses sustainable practices.

To see the beautiful selection of Lotka papers
( wrapping paper, envelopes, computer paper, stationery) please visit Sweet Organics and Natural at www.sweetorganicsandnaturals.com

Sandra also offers Hand twisted and dyed Lotka paper ribbon and 100% biodegradable Natural Ribbon is made from perfectly aligned strands of cotton coated with a water-based adhesive and colored with soy-based ink. Crisp and springy in texture, it holds its shape beautifully and is easily curled or shredded. A unique environmental choice in ribbon.