Banana paper is an environmentally-friendly paper manufactured from banana stems within a sustainable mechanism.
Banana stems are normally discarded as unwanted refuse during banana production.
However, by taking the stems of organic bananas grown in Zambia, adding FSC-certified pulp and using techniques used to make the renowned Echizen washi (Japanese paper), the stems are transformed into a high quality, sustainable paper.

Collecting the banana stems for banana paper provides work to poor women and other villagers throughout Zambia. Fair Trade agreements ensure that the villagers receive a stable income, with which they can buy mosquito nets to protect themselves from the ravages of malaria and send their children to school to receive an education.Furthermore, the banana stems regenerate and bear a new crop of bananas within a year, thus eliminating the need to cut down trees. This in turn protects the forests and the habitats of various animals

This wonderful activity is certified by the Japan Fair Trade Assocation.

http://oneplanetcafe.com/paper/