Located in a center famous for its wood carving, Tropical Salvage provides well-paid job opportunities to Indonesians who would otherwise face economic hardship. Using wood salvaged from disassembled houses, old boats and bridges and from old trees "entombed" in volcanic mud, Tropical Salvage carpenters create a wide range of home accents and furniture. The company hires exceptional carpenters, carvers and finishers who are excited to be part of such a visionary operation, which represents an alternative to the destructive lumber-harvesting methods currently used in the developing world. Besides fair wages, employees receive medical benefits and a free noon meal. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased products from Tropical Salvage since 2008.