"Vegetable ivory" - the dense white meat of the Tagua nut- is a sustainable alternative to elephant ivory for making figurines, beads, buttons, and other decorative items.
Since the nuts are harvested from the forest floor, there is no harm done to the tree. They continue to produce for about 100 years. The nuts are dyed using natural pigments. Not only does Tagua production provide a viable income for those who harvest and process the nuts, it also reduces the need for other income-producing practices through slash and burn deforestation and land use.
Vegetable ivory is a win-win for the economy and for our earth. In one year, a Tagua palm can produce as much "ivory" as that which comes from a single elephant tusk.
I only use Tagua nuts sourced from a company in Ecuador that includes in their ethic statement that they do not accept child labor.