courtesy of: The Morning News
by Rosalie Klein
Not all of us are as environmentally aware as we should be, but the new Do Good Aruba Company makes it easy. A few good friends with concerns for the enormous waste in glass bottles they saw being churned out daily by Aruba’s resorts, bars and restaurants came up with a bright idea, in some instances literally, as next on their agenda of recycled art is chandeliers and lamps!
Presently, those seeking a most unique memento of Aruba should take a trip to The Village Mall any night of the week to visit their table at the “flea market” in the mall’s courtyard, from 5:00 to 11:00 PM-ish. Do Good Aruba has been collecting every sort of bottle that previously contained liquid refreshment, in a wide variety of colors and sizes. They have produces a vast assortment of shot glasses, beer glasses, (which you may be able to get with the logo of your favorite beer) flower vases and candleholders \ in a prices ranging from $4 to $26 for the larger and rarer items, and the diversity is remarkable. Each recycled glass or vase is carefully polished to remove sharp edges and carries the company’s special logo “Upcycled with ♥ in Aruba.” Purchases will be well wrapped for travel, if need be.
“It boggles the mind when you consider the waste,” commented partner Aaron Wallisever, “we are collecting nearly 1,000 bottles a week from all around the island, and that still doesn’t really touch the amount of how many are being thrown away or littering the landscape.” What also surprised them was the incredible artistry invested in some of these mass produced bottles, the etched designs on Grey Goose Vodka, as an example. “It really seems a shame to throw something so beautiful away.”
The community-minded company also extends their awareness to the needy, with a hefty portion of the profits tagged for a monthly donation to a worthwhile local foundation. “We are not really here to make a lot of money,” commented Zena Neme, who mans their table nightly, “it is all about raising awareness and living up to our name-“Do Good Aruba.”
For a glimpse of some of their inventory, visit the Do Good Aruba Facebook page or their table one evening; the attractive collection will provide that special and affordable souvenir that will not only make you feel good about getting something really different for the folks back home, but also doing good for the Aruban, and world, environment.
