Located in a center famous for its wood carving, Tropical Salvage provides well-paid job opportunities to Indonesians who would otherwise face economic hardship. Using wood salvaged from disassembled houses, old boats and bridges and from old trees “entombed” in volcanic mud, Tropical Salvage carpenters create a wide range of bowls and accent furniture.The company hires exceptional carpenters, carvers and finishers who are excited to be part of such a visionary operation. Besides fair wages, employees receive medical benefits and a free noon meal. Workers with lower skills and lower pay are allowed to take home wood off-cuts which they can either carve or sell as is. Still a new venture, Tropical Salvage intends to increase benefits to its employees once the business grows in profitability. They also plan to re-invest in the community by creating a school of natural science.

Much hinges on the protection of the environment. Forests play a critical role in maintaining global climatic stability. Indonesia is already experiencing flooding, droughts and extensive soil erosion. Continued loss of forests will mean loss of traditional jobs, and the many cultural traditions and communities dependent on forest-life. The world will also lose the rich stores of pharmacological plants. It is critical that practical alternatives be developed to replace the destructive lumber-harvesting methods currently used in the developing world. Tropical Salvage is one such alternative.

Tropical Salvage is a private Indonesian company owned by Tim O'Brien, a visionary American businessman. Aware of the ecological and social devastation caused by unregulated intensive harvesting of Indonesia's old-growth forests, O'Brien is determined to make a difference. His goal: to bring positive change through sensible commerce.

Ten Thousand Villages purchases wood bowls from Tropical Salvage. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased products from Tropical Salvage since 2008.

www.tropicalsalvage.com