Love Your Earth, This Day and Everyday

Even though Earth Day is officially observed today, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t think about Mother Earth all year round.

At The Basket Lady, we pride ourselves in offering high quality rattan made with all natural materials.  Our wicker is environmentally sustainable, grown in abundance, handcrafted by highly skilled artisans in Indonesia and directly contributes to the community in which it’s grown.

In honor of Earth Day, below are some eco-friendly facts about our wicker baskets; how they are made, what they are made of, as well as a few of our favorite functional and stylish products that can help you live a more eco-minded life. 

What is wicker made of?

Our wicker is made of rattan, a vine-like palm native to the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.  Rattan, unlike bamboo, is solid all the way through the reed and also has the ability to grow up to hundreds of meters long.  In forests where rattan grows, its economic value can help protect forestland by providing an alternative to loggers who forgo timber logging and harvest rattan canes instead. Rattan is much easier to harvest, requires simpler tools and is much more efficient to transport. It also grows much faster than most tropical wood.

Where is wicker grown?

Rattan grows prolifically in areas such as Africa, Asia, Indonesia and Australia. Wicker related products are the main source of income for villagers, so it’s good for the wider communities too.

Below is a list of our favorite wicker products from BasketLady.com for sustainable living:

Recycling Basket  $69.95

The World's Smartest Recycling Basket is tough and refined at the same time. The rattan core body is woven over a sturdy metal frame. The lid is attached with leather hinges and includes a leather lift tab. Side cut-in handles make moving the basket a safe and simple task, even when full.  The basket fits a paper grocery bag for use as a liner, or a Metal Liner can be purchased separately, and is also available as a Divided Recycling Basket, which can be purchased on BasketLady.com. The baskets are finished in Antique Walnut Brown or Toasted Oat.

Large Wastebasket with Metal Liner  $55.95

The Large Waste Basket with Metal Liner is perfect for a kitchen, laundry room, or office. Side cut-in handles make moving the basket a safe and simple task, even when full. Basket comes with a removable metal liner that can hold a trash bag in place.  The narrow design fits in small places, and even under most kitchen sinks.  The basket is finished in an Antique Walnut Brown or Toasted Oat. 

Bicycle Basket  $39.95 and $42.95

Conserve gas and reduce emissions by taking your bike to and from the store or local Farmer’s Markets. This bike basket  accessory is made of select rattan core with a spiral wrapped rattan pole rim for strength and is coated with a clear matte lacquer for protection against outdoor elements.  Leather straps easily secure the basket to handlebars.  The basket comes in two sizes: (small) and (large) and colors include Toasted Oat or Antique Walnut Brown.

Because we love Earth Day (and our customers!) we are offering a special 10 percent off of all orders placed on Earth Day (April 22) through 11:59 p.m. CST on 4/27/14. 

To receive the 10% off, you must enter coupon code RECYCLE at checkout.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!