Eco-Friendly Water Hyacinth Products from Vietnam: Sustainable Living Solutions

Introduction

Photo: Kim Chien / dangcongsan.vn

Originally from South America, the water hyacinth has spread to every continent except Antarctica. Known for its incredibly fast growth, this plant is a vigorous grower, with clusters doubling in size within just one to two weeks.

In Vietnam, farmers once used it for animal feed and fertilizer. Today, Vietnamese artisans have turned this plant into beautiful, eco-friendly products. From stylish home decorations to charming souvenirs, these items showcase creativity and environmental consciousness.

Background information

What is water hyacinth?

Photo: Kim Chien / dangcongsan.vn

Water hyacinth is a floating aquatic plant with broad, thick, glossy, ovate leaves that can rise above the water surface up to 1 meter (3 feet) in height. It has an erect stalk with 8–15 beautiful lavender to pink flowers.

In the blooming season, lakes, rivers, and lagoons are covered with beautiful lavender flowers, creating stunning views. Some people might think they are decorative, but water hyacinths are actually weeds and they have many negative impacts on the environment.

Environmental impact

In the Mekong Delta, water hyacinths grow so abundantly that they make it difficult for boats to navigate (Photo: Giang Phuong/ Thanh Nien Newspaper).

Water hyacinths harm water ecosystems by depleting oxygen levels and blocking sunlight. Their rapid spread also affects agriculture, fishing, and boat travel. These plants can choke waterways, making it difficult for boats to pass, and they can disrupt local economies dependent on fishing and farming.

In Vietnam, many methods have been adopted to control the spread of water hyacinths, but these efforts have often failed. Vietnamese farmers and artisans have taken a different approach: they harvest water hyacinths to create eco-friendly handmade products.

Benefits of handcrafted water hyacinth products

Source: My nghe Sen Viet – Lotus Handicrafts 

Sustainability

Renewable resource: Water hyacinths are a fast-growing, renewable resource. In Vietnam, they can be harvested in just 4 months, compared to bamboo, which is also a renewable resource but takes at least 2 years to reach maturity.

Reduces environmental impact: By harvesting water hyacinths, we can help control their invasive spread and reduce the need for harsher control methods.

Locally sourced: Water hyacinths are often abundant in the regions where they’re turned into products. This reduces transportation needs and the associated carbon footprint compared to materials shipped long distances.

Eco-friendly craftsmanship: The entire process, from harvesting to creating handcrafted products from water hyacinth, is done entirely by hand, making it completely eco-friendly

Natural decomposition: Water hyacinth products, unlike plastic, are biodegradable and break down naturally, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.

Durability and quality

Water hyacinth fibers are naturally strong and durable. That’s why handmade products made from water hyacinths can last for years with proper care and protection.

Aesthetic appeal

Water hyacinth products have a natural charm, with soft stalks and a warm, golden-brown outer layer. They bring rustic beauty and modern elegance to items like baskets, furniture, and décor, adding a cozy and organic feel to any space.

Types of handcrafted water hyacinth products

Home décor

Source: My nghe Sen Viet – Lotus Handicrafts 

Fashion accessories

Source: My nghe Sen Viet – Lotus Handicrafts 

Everyday Items

Source: My nghe Sen Viet – Lotus Handicrafts 

Source: My nghe Sen Viet – Lotus Handicrafts 

Pet baskets

Source: My nghe Sen Viet – Lotus Handicrafts 

The production process

Harvesting

Harvesting water hyacinth (Photo: QDND Newspaper)

To harvest water hyacinth, the craftsman gets up early and rows out in a boat to collect full-grown plants that are about 3-4 months old. Once harvested, the roots are cut off, and only the stems are kept. These stems are then sun-dried for about 5 days, which helps remove moisture and increases their flexibility.

Weaving techniques

Source: My nghe Sen Viet – Lotus Handicrafts 

In Vietnam, artisans commonly use eight different weaving styles with water hyacinths. Each style is named based on how the stalks are processed or their appearance after weaving. Each weave is suited for specific product lines, and the production time varies for each style.

Rolled weave

Twisted weave

Arrow weave

Rice nut weave

Open hexagon

Open asterisk

Open zigzag

Close flat weave

A skilled artisan can create 2-3 products per day for simple weaving techniques. However, more complex weaving methods may take several days for an artisan to complete just one product.

Community impact

The Mekong River Delta in Vietnam is known for its extensive river systems and abundant water hyacinth resources. The local population primarily relies on rice farming, and many households in remote areas still face significant hardships.

Women, in particular, have unstable incomes. During off-season periods, they supplement their earnings by weaving water hyacinths. This additional work helps them improve their financial situation and ease some of their daily challenges.

Buying and caring for water hyacinth products.

Where to buy

We’re excited to introduce you to some Amazon stores selling handcrafted water hyacinth products, all made by artisans from Vietnam. Their items are known for their high quality and have received excellent customer reviews.

Sokfarm store

Sokfarm offers natural water hyacinth products that blend elegance with rustic design. Their items are versatile, making them suitable for a variety of spaces. Whether you’re decorating your home or office, Sokfarm’s products bring a touch of nature and style to any environment.

Acahome store

Acahome focuses on providing kitchen products made from wood and water hyacinth. Their slogan, “Bring natural, eco-friendly materials into your home,” reflects their commitment to sustainability. Acahome’s designs are elegant. Their products not only serve practical purposes but also enhance the aesthetic of your kitchen.

Tidita store

Tidita is your go-to brand for high-quality wooden kitchenware. Their products are crafted from locally sourced materials and created by skilled artisans. In addition to their beautiful wooden items, Tidita also offers a few kitchen products made from water hyacinth. With a focus on sustainability and craftsmanship, Tidita brings you durable kitchen essentials that you can trust and enjoy for years to come.

Care instructions

To get the most out of your water hyacinth products, it’s important to take proper care of them. Here are some key tips for preserving their beauty and durability:

Sun damage prevention: Keep water hyacinth items out of direct sunlight to prevent bleaching or damage caused by UV rays. Store them indoors to preserve their appearance.

Prevent soaking: Water hyacinth absorbs moisture easily, but it can get moldy and lose its shape if it gets too wet. If it stays moist for a long time, the fibers on the surface can become weak and start to break. To keep these items strong, make sure to dry them well and store them in a dry place, and avoid keeping them wet for too long.

Regular maintenance: Taking care of water hyacinth items is easy with regular vacuuming using a brush attachment. Vacuuming helps remove dirt that collects between the fibers and underneath.

Water hyacinth absorbs moisture, which is good, but too much can make it warp or grow mold. Avoid using lots of water to clean it—no steam cleaning or soaking. Just wipe with a damp cloth or gently brush with a soft brush dipped in water. Make sure it’s completely dry after cleaning to keep it in good shape and prevent mold.

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