The Palm Diaries
Highlighting social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations across Asia and Australia
Founded in 2017, The Palm Diaries was a blog focused on sustainability, photography and responsible travel; highlighting the work of social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations across Sri Lanka and South East Asia.
This project was a humble attempt to document the places, the people and the organisations trying to make a difference: The foundation on which I grew as an impact photographer. Featured below are some of our favourite finds across Asia and Australia that are still striving to affect positive change in their corners of the world.
Salvage Sri Lanka
Salvage Sri Lanka is a jewellery company with a difference, creating not only unique and sustainable products but also providing skills, jobs and support for people in need. Based out of Colombo and developed with the help of many passionate individuals, it’s an organisation built on two key objectives; to recycle and rehabilitate.
KOTO
Know One, Teach One. This is the mantra by which Vietnam’s first social enterprise lives and thrives on. KOTO is a non- profit that endeavours to end the cycle of poverty by supporting and empowering underprivileged youths. It does this by utilising what Vietnam knows best… Food.
COPE
Before visiting Laos, we were unaware that the country was subjected to one of the most relentless aerial bombing campaigns in the history of mankind – the U.S. dropped some two million tonnes of ordnance on the nation during 580,000 bombing missions between 1964 and 1973. A lot of these bombs didn’t explode, and over 40 years later they are still killing and maiming innocent people. We visited COPE - an organisation trying to make things right.
Zero Waste Saigon
Zero Waste Saigon is a fast expanding social network and planet-friendly movement dedicated to raising awareness and reducing waste in Vietnam. The group provides education, community support and sustainable alternatives to single use plastic and are making waves in the war on waste.
48 hours in Jaffna
Located in Sri Lanka’s far north, Jaffna is a little off the beaten path. Emerging from decades of civil war, the relatively laid back city is full of old world charm. Its resilient people are unbelievably friendly and welcoming, and as it continues to rebuild it is fast becoming a part of Sri Lanka that you can’t miss!