Can poo bring peace between man and beast? Mr Ellie Pooh thinks so. The Sri Lankan elephant, an endangered species, produces up to 500 pounds of dung a day, and this very aspect of the animal may be its saving grace.

The population of Asian elephants worldwide is estimated to be only about 40,000, and the island of Sri Lanka is home to about a tenth of them. The main threat to this species is farmers protecting their crops and homes. If the elephants could be viewed as an asset to the local people instead of a liability, the prospect of recovery for them is greatly improved. Mr Ellie Pooh and Maximus believe they might have an answer. Pooh paper.

Elephant dung is made up of mostly raw cellulose, which can be made into a linen-like, acid free paper with a beautiful textured finish. The finished product is completely safe and hygienic, having been fully disinfected during the 13 day process.

Mr Ellie Pooh offers a great line of handcrafted products made from 75% Sri Lankan elephant dung and 25% recycled fiber, ranging from paper boxes to journals, to picture frames, notepads and stationery paper.

"There are no toxic chemicals used in our paper-making process. Only basic bonding agents such as alum and rosin, along with water soluble salt dyes for coloring are used. No bleach. No acids. As no alkaline or acid solutions are introduced during manufacturing, our handmade papers are of an ideal pH value for photograph preservation.

While there are other products made from elephant dung, Mr. Ellie Pooh and Maximus are the only companies whose sole focus is to protect these noble beasts within their natural habitat."

"Maximus aims to use the “Elephant Dung” paper to create and then further raise awareness to the tragic circumstances that surround the Sri Lankan Elephant. We are also developing strategies aimed at improving the socio – economic situation that currently restricts under privileged people living in rural areas. Conflict between man and wild elephants over land are severely detrimental to both. Our vision is to bring these two together by implementing Project “Peace Paper”. In conflict areas we hope to create autonomous and self-sustaining re-cycling plants that make Elephant dung paper from wild elephant dung. This we hope will create a mutual and beneficial relationship between man and beast rather than the conflicts that currently exist."

Find Mr Ellie Pooh products in your area, or order online through the Mr Ellie Pooh store or Global A.P.E.