Adventure T-Shirt ~ $25.00
http://www.handsproducinghope.org/shop/adventure-t-shirt
Our vision is to see all people (regardless of gender, ethnicity, or geographical location) be afforded opportunities to have dignified and respectable work, and to provide for their families and flourish in their communities. We want to see a universal growth in an understanding of the impact an individual can make with their time, resources, and talents.
Our artisans are paid an above fair wage. They are treated with respect, and are taught that they and their dreams have value.
We offer a variety of life skills work shops to help enrich the lives of our artisans, their families, and their communities.
We connect our artisans with local churches and missionaries, and share small lessons from the Bible whenever we gather.
The women we work with are now hearing and learning that their dreams matter and have value. We believe that as we empower the women we work with, a generational change will take place and daughters will be raised up hearing these principles.
We prioritize education, offering assistance to the students that work with us, as well as to any adults who desire to return to school and obtain their high school diploma.
The Guaymi people have faced discrimination for generations. As relationships form through involving the local Costa Rican community in our mission, we hope to see small steps towards reconciliation and an end to the generations of discrimination.
Seriously--this business is just so inspiring. They seem to be doing everything right! I love everything they stand for and the ethic codes they hold themselves to. Their printed tees, prints, and jewelry are so beautiful. This is one of my absolute favorites.
Fancy Free Scarf ~ $34.00
http://crownedfree.com/women/limited-edition-fancy-free-scarf-presale/
Crowned Free is a business that invest 35% of their profits into organizations that help women who have been abused by sex trafficking. Workers are treated with dignity and respect and they receive sustainable wages.
This scarf is adorable and I love it. I also love the story of Crowned Free! Check it out on their website.
Infinity Bracelet ~ $26.00
Dream builder Cuff ~ $38.00
http://shop.birdandstone.com/bracelets/infinity-bracelet
http://shop.birdandstone.com/bracelets/dreambuilder-cuff?_ga=1.203479511.69526690.1448733541
15% of Net profits from this bracelet fund micro-loans and financial training to widowed women in Kenya. Bird and Stone provides entrepreneur opportunities so that women can support their families and overcome the cycle of poverty and aid. They literally help women start their own businesses by providing training in agriculture, accounting, and business. When you buy from Bird and Stone, you're helping women build their dreams in Kenya.
I love businesses like these because they allow workers to be their own bosses. They don't give away money or jobs, but they empower women by enabling them to create their own businesses. That's so cool to me!
Chelsea in Charcoal Grey ~ $38.00
Chelsea in Light Grey $38.00
http://elegantees.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/chelsea-in-charcoal-heather
http://elegantees.com/products/chelsea-in-heather-grey
This tee gives meaningful employment for women rescued from sex trafficking. It was made in Nepal, one of the least developed countries in the world, which ranks high for trafficking. This design creates a bright future for the survivor who made it.
Elegantees provide lots of affordable clothing. I really really love their simple designs and I'm pretty sure I'm ordering like 12 of their products like right now. Their mission is amazing--they are 100% committed to giving new lives to victims of sex trafficking. What more do you need?
Loralie Necklace ~ $22.95
https://www.vibellajewelry.com/shopnow/All%20Products%20Necklaces/Loralie%20Necklace
Our whole mission at Vi Bella Jewelry is centered on providing a path out of poverty for our artisans and a deep desire to form a community for them that is encouraging and prayerful. The employment that Vi Bella artisans are given creating jewelry and accessories also creates more beautiful lives for them, their children, and their communities.
In addition to steady income, Vi Bella provides school sponsorships for all of our artisan's children in Haiti and we fund after-school programs for children in Mexico. We are also give back to the communities in which we serve by financially supporting schools, partnering with orphanages for school sponsorships, and being part of collaborative efforts that improve living conditions.
Like wow! How amazing is their mission? This is one of the many cute and affordable jewelry pieces available on their website. If you're in the mood for new jewelry--look no further than ViBella. There is something for every style!
The Envelope Clutch ~ $29.95
http://www.eth-ics.com/ethicsstore/the-envelope-clutch
Krause Necklace ~ $46.00
http://www.eth-ics.com/ethicsstore/necklace
Not only does the Krochet Kids intl. Women's Envelop Clutch Wallet give your dollars a unique and stylish place to stay, but it also lets them support a good cause by directly benefiting at-risk Women in Peru and Northern Uganda working in Krochet Kids' empowerment program.
Eth-ics asks the question, "What do you stand for?". To me, when you buy products like these--fair trade that support real life people and their empowerment--you stand for Equality. You stand for Empowerment. You stand for Goodwill, for Fairness, for Justice, for People. That's an awesome message.
Connect the Dots Skirt in Coral ~ $44.99
https://www.matatraders.com/connect-the-dots-skirt-coral.html
Mata Traders fair trade clothing and accessories are made by the hands of artisans in India and Nepal. Every item we sell is an original piece, and many incorporate craft traditions that date back centuries, such as block printing and embroidery.
Our artisans come from rural areas, tribal villages, and urban slums, but they all want the same thing – the chance to earn a living wage and lift their families and communities out of poverty.
Mata Traders offers some of the most beautiful clothing pieces. Their style seems to be more casual and their prices match. They sell products on their website, but be sure to do your research because many ethical boutiques also sell a wider selection of Mata Traders Products (and sometimes they have great sales!)
Pacha Scarf ~ $16.95
https://www.vibellajewelry.com/shopnow/All%20Products%20Accessories/Pacha%20Scarf
Oops! I forgot to tell you that ViBella Jewelry has much more than jewelry! They also sell accessories, books, gift items, and purses. So check them out now!
You don't have to buy all these products to change the world. In fact, you don't have to buy a single one. All you have to do is be conscious of the issue of human trafficking and unfair labor practices, and then carry that knowledge with you when you're considering purchasing new goods. Let your awareness of the inequalities and injustices involved in the making of your products help you make better choices! I'm not saying that you should never buy another thing again unless it's 100% fair trade certified. I'm say that our consciousness should inspire change, and that when we are given the opportunity to buy either a $5 made-in-exploited-factory shirt or a well made, ethically produced shirt for a little more (WearPact.com, people!), we should choose the ethically produced option. It's better for people, better for the fashion industry, and frankly it'll make you feel good. Maybe you won't buy anything now that you're aware of the injustices--not even the $5 t-shirt. That's okay too. It's always positive to look back on how much we are consuming and think about the impacts our consumption makes.
If nothing else, I hope this blog makes you think. I hope you think hard and I hope your hard thinking helps you make more ethical decisions.
Thanks to all,
Karla
P.S. Comments, questions, and critiques are always welcome! Seriously!
