Here’s a novel way to recycle metal in an alchemical way: the Peace Bomb Bracelet, made from reclaimed scrap metal from munitions.
The bracelets are being distributed by ARTICLE 22, which helps provide income to Lao women by marketing their traditional goods in the US. The company is named for the 22nd Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states:
“Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.”
ARTICLE 22, which calls itself a “social business startup,” sells goods on its website and via text message. The Peace Bomb Bracelet is made of scrap metal reclaimed from bombs dropped by the United States on Laos during the Vietnam War. According to ARTICLE 22, during the US campaign in Vietnam from 1964 to 1973, roughly 250 million bombs were dropped on neighboring Laos, the most heavily-bombed country, per capita, in history.
In the years since the war, artists in the Naphia village have collected scrap metal from the bombs. Using wooden blocks and ash to make molds, the artisan families cast spoons and bowls out of recovered metal, according to Subports, a New York-based mobile technology business that is partnering with Article 22 to deliver the Peace Bomb Bracelets.
Today, 10 Naphia families supplement subsistence farming with income from artifacts made from war scrap metal. Each purchase of a Peace Bomb Bracelet supports the artisan families in Naphia Village and includes a donation to the development of a community microcredit fund that provides resources for infrastructure projects and micro-loans to individuals in the community.
Text “a22peacebomb” to 767825 to purchase one bracelet for $15, plus shipping and handling.
Text “a22peacebomb3″ to 767825 to purchase a set of three bracelets for $38, plus shipping and handling.
You can also log on to ShopARTICLE22.com to purchase the bracelet.
Photo courtesy of ARTICLE 22.