When it comes to making eco choices, I can’t think of anything better than going directly to people who lead the fight and dedicate their lives to change.  Today I’m thrilled to introduce you to Karl Wald, the founder of Mr. Ellie Pooh.

You may recall that Mr. Ellie Pooh makes handmade stationery products that are from 100% recycled materials… including a whole lot of orphan elephant pooh and none of those nasty chemicals and bleaching agents.  With such a totally unique product, I just had to know more about the man who does it all.  I mean – paper from pooh?  Here’s Karl sharing his world-changing efforts…

Karl, when people hear that your products are made out of elephant waste, I imagine they kind of hesitate.  How do you break that barrier and encourage people to consider an alternative to paper products made by trees?  

You would be surprised, most people are thrilled about the product.  We do get about a 5% OCD type who run from the products but most people come running into the booth to see what we are doing.  When they hear we are trying to preserve elephant habitat as well as give great jobs to local villagers…….bam, they are sold.  I think most people want to buy eco-friendly products, and Mr. Ellie Pooh gives them the opportunity to make a difference with their purchase.

How did the idea for Eli Pooh come about? 

The idea for Mr. Ellie Pooh came about while I was over in Sri Lanka, volunteering to take care of domesticated elephants that were in some way, hurt or sick.  While working, I met a family who was making paper out of the Poo!  Very cool, I thought, if we could just make it pretty for the western market…..it might sell.  Sure enough, Mr. Ellie Pooh is going into their 5th year.
 

What are some of your goals at Eli Pooh? 

Our goals have been the same from day one: create a demand for our paper and make poopy paper in areas where there are wild elephants, thus creating a value for those elephants which doesn’t involve domestication.  We don’t want Sri Lanka to turn into a Laos, Thailand, or Indonesia where all of the elephants natrual habitat has been destroyed, thus leading to death or domestication of these wonderful creatures.

In your option, how can supporting small non-profits enrich our lives and communities?  Why is it important? 

Mmm, supporting non-profits is super cool, anything that gives back.  Our program is far from a non-profit though.  We encourage profit in our situation.  It is imperative that people know that our program is about bringing money to local villagers.  It creates a value for the Sri Lankan elephant. Without this value, these noble beasts will definitely be wiped out.    Our program is about bringing for profit jobs to local villagers……changing the mindset of the people that the elephant should be looked at as an asset, instead of being a threat or a agricultural pest.

Where does the inspiration for your products and ideas come from?

All the props for this question have to go back to all of our workers in Sri Lanka.  We have a design team of about 50 people……all of the inspiration comes from them.

What types of paper products does Eli Pooh use for your day-to-day business? 

We use all of our paper products, from printing invoices to mailing bills in our envelopes.  Anywhere you can use paper, from note pads to pocket folders, Mr. Ellie Pooh has office supplies for you.

Do you have any favorite Eli Pooh products that you personally use?

We use our paper in our everyday life.  Something new that has come about is the use of our paper in letter press printing for wedding invites and such.  Our paper has the unique ability to emboss easily and deeply.  Makes for cards and invites that can’t be rivaled by milled paper.  

And why use Post-its when you can use Poo??

 
*Don’t forget that Karl and his team are offering 10% off their products this month with the code “hearts” at checkout if you’re swooning over this group’s mission.

(Images from Mr. Ellie Pooh)