Summer is coming at us full speed ahead, and with Greenpacha you have a reason to keep your head protected while supporting a humanitarian cause! All of Greenpacha’s hats are handmade in Ecuador, where artisans carefully craft each one from the native Toquilla Palm plant, using traditional methods.

Greenpacha was founded in March 2011 by Florence Gomez Gerbi. Operating out of La Jolla, California, a sunny beach town near San Diego, Greenpacha aims to improve the living conditions of the artisans she works with through her company. By buying Greenpacha, 2% of your purchase goes directly toward supporting the weaving communities in Latin America.

So where does the name “Greenpacha” come from? Florence says:

“In Latin America, ‘pacha’ is a huge word that signifies something like ‘times of the Inca’ and at the same time, ‘Mother Earth.’ So that’s what I liked — Green Times. It makes sense to me because it’s coming back from the roots, the best of the roots. And what is good is to bring to the present and enjoy it now. So that’s the Green Times.”

My favorite hats from their site have to be the traditional Panama hat in Rose, and the wide brimmed Lady Sandy for blocking out UV rays.

You can find Greenpacha hats here in their online store, or say hello to them on Facebook here!