Natural Wonder(9)

“Sustainability is a direction we all need to be aware of and progress toward,” says Kandis Wrigley, who through her company, San Juan Ventures, supports Global Forest Watch, an initiative of the World Resources Institute that maps global forests. She also supports the  Global Heritage Fund, which preserves or restores globally significant historical sites, primarily in underdeveloped countries. 
 
“I envisioned San Juan Ventures as an import company that would source and export the best-quality exotic wood materials from the island of Bali but leave as few environmental footprints as possible. We continually remind ourselves of this mission statement in our regular, daily operations,” Kandis says.
  
All reclaimed woods sold by San Juan Ventures carry the Forest Stewardship Council certification that the company’s green materials are not mixed with uncertified wood. The company’s logo, an elephant, is the symbol of Ganesh, a Hindu god representing  strength and fortitude—qualities also inherent in the island’s magnificent old trees. 
 
“The Balinese work extremely hard and yet regularly weave rest and relaxation into their daily lives,” Kandis says. “They are generally well-balanced people with an understanding of the value of tranquility, stillness, and inner peace—something we Westerners can stand to learn a bit more about.”
 
For information, visit sanjuanventures.com.