ånd fragrance have launched a campaign entitled FFS (For Frånk’s Sake), and are donating 20% of their December 2020 profits to support sustainable frankincense. Here’s how YOU can help…
The new niche fragrance brand started by Simon Constantine (formerly of Lush) is on a misson to (as he puts it) ‘unstink the world!’ What that means is n ot merely getting people to wear the fragrances, but making genuine changes to the way perfume houses source their ingredients.
Each of the ånd fragrance scents showcase ingredioents iconic to the fragrance industry, which we may think we know well, but which they are exploring in unique ways.
For the FFS project, the idea is to create a regenerative permaculture in Somaliland through funding small-scale frankincense nurseries. Frånk is, as the name may suggest, built around the note of frankincense, but it’s the fruity, mischeviously joyful side evoked, here (not the fusty, dusty, church-y scent that many of us may associate it with).
Simon wanted to put his money where his mouth. Because, after visiting Somliland last year, he felt truly moved to act. Here’s the problem…
‘This brilliantly beautiful region is epic in every way possible,’ he explains. ‘In true biblical style it’s home to Frankincense, myrrh and even gold. Equally the ravages of drought, disease and locust plagues continue to kick the people and land at a time when they need support the most. Somaliland has repeatedly been cited as the case study for the impacts of climate change. Peoples’ livelihoods rely on the land (the majority of communities being pastoral herders); however, since 2015, prolonged drought led to disastrous die offs of animals, leaving thousands to settle in internally displaced refugee(IDP) camps.
Frankincense provides a lifeline for many communities. After “tapping” with a cut to its bark, the Frankincense tree provides golden tears of resin. As both rain and money dry up the trees are tapped to the point of exhaustion and possibly death, another knock on effect of climate change.’
Just watch this short film to see for yourself the extent of the dangers frankincense – and those who rely on it – have faced.
But all is not lost. Not yet. We have ways of helping, of putting back, of doing good while smelling great. Says Simon:
‘And so here is the solution…a series of small scale community nurseries that begin to rebalance the situation.Growing hardy frankincense trees for the future. As these begin to flourish, it’s our plan to work with communities to create further opportunities using cutting edge growing techniques to restore and regenerate these drylands.
As these begin to flourish it’s our plan to work closely with communities to create further opportunities using cutting edge growing techniques which will help to restore and regenerate these harsh drylands. But let’s not forget the people themselves. The refugee camps require urgent aid and medical attention. And we believe that short-term aid can become true resilience when focused on regenerative livelihoods.
It would be great if we could give something back to Frankincense this Xmas, For Frånk’s Sake!’
So yes, now 20% of ALL ånd fragrance sales during the Christmas period will go directly to fund the build of a Frankincense nursery. Join in, smell fabulously festive and help spread the word #forfranksake #unstinktheworld…
ånd fragrance Frånk from £35 (10ml eau de parfum or solid fragrance)
By Suzy Nightingale
