I received products from Coca-Cola’s 5by20 program: however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Today I received a package that touched my heart, intrigued me and made me want to learn more. The products in the package were unique, unlike anything I have ever seen or touched before and seemed to be items that have been upcycled.
Could I possibly be correct with my assumption that the beautiful artisan-crafted products were created from items often discarded and crafted into lovely giftable items? With curiosity bursting from my constant ‘need to know’ I decided to learn all I could about where the products came from. Lavishly celebrate an incredible holiday for women and learn about the 5 Gifts To Celebrate International Women’s Day.
The Can
As I sat in a Mexican village, in a restaurant in the mountains I stared at the Coca-Cola can you see above? Coca-Cola is the main beverage served as a soda choice and while odd I photoed it, my thoughts were thinking all about how incredible Coca-Cola is to be worldwide.
What if there was a way for women in developing nations to use a product as simple as a can to earn an income, have access to the resources they need and skills coupled with opportunities that would allow them the chance to provide an income for their family?
From the moment you open the can you are about to drink to the moment you toss it in the recycle bin, you have just changed someone’s life, let’s see the incredible journey.
Amazing Products Made by Extraordinary Women Around the World
When I travel, I purchase hand-crafted souvenirs from the local lady artisans. Whether I am cruising or passport traveling, international hand-crafted items steal my heart. I know there is a labor of love in each item and I cherish it.
When I learned about the products in my box, the company that made it possible and the true story of the product, I was simply moved to share this story as it needs to be told. The products in my 5by20 box truly reminded me of many of my travels and I love the story behind the craft.
5by20
Beautiful items are created by women from upcycled packaging such as the Coca-Cola labels and the pull tabs. The company was created by Coca-Cola and is known as 5by20. When each article is crafted, each woman is changing their life, their families lives and their communities. Knowing that Coca-Cola Co shares corporate social responsibility so strongly in developing nations means a lot to a consumer and to me. Coca-Cola Co. has chosen to positively affect women entrepreneurs in these areas and it gives each of them a way to stand up by sharing their work, and this helps them out of poverty.
There is truly a direct correlation between a woman rising in a community to successful and their direct impact on business growth and improved human health and sustainability of a culture. All of this for providing tools to make a stronger woman. (love, love, love)
The 5by20 Initiative was launched in 2010 and the aggressive goal was to empower 5 million women over the course of 10 years. In fact, the program offers skills training, financial resources, and mentorship to women entrepreneurs across the globe. So the 5by20 is 5 million women empowered by 2020 = 5by20 – catchy right?
5 Gifts To Celebrate International Women’s Day
Here are the stars of my gift box.
Handbag (Brazil)
This is crafted to look like the scales of the ancient Pirarucu fish, found in the lakes and rivers of the Amazon. It is elegant, and the recycled PET scales are actually hand sewn onto the mesh creating a lovely evening bag. Do you see the little Coca-Cola bottle I pointed to with the yellow arrow?
Classic Flower (Mexico)
Pull out your vase but never water! This is the Classic Flower of Mexico. This is expertly crafted from recycled Coca-Cola pieces.
Ring-Pull Bracelet (Philippines)
What do you do with Ring Pulls that might otherwise be tossed? Add elasticized thread to them, and create these insanely pretty Ring Pull Bracelets.
Acacia Creations Soda can Giraffe (Kenya)
Decorating a nursery? Gifting a Mom-to-be? This Acacia Creations Soda Can Giraffe made in Kenya is perfect and created from recycled aluminum cans bound up with recycled telephone wire.
Bottle Cap Purse (Turkey)
It’s all about recycled bottle caps and this bag is perfect for everyday, travel, and life! Fill it up with business cards, tiny toiletries and get on your way, kindly crafted in Turkey.
Now it’s your turn to celebrate International Women’s Day, become a consumer, a customer and purchase a product. Women elevating women is what it is about. Won’t you join in and try out 5 Gifts to celebrate International Women’s Day?