As we finish our 26-day exploration of Fair Trade, I close with Zikomo kwambiri.
ZIKOMO KWAMBIRI is THANK YOU VERY MUCH in Chichiwa, a language spoken in South Africa and Malawi. That is what, I humbly want to say to each and everyone of you.
Years ago, when we started The Mission Marketplace I had no idea of the kindness, support, laughter and love that this community would show us. I am ASTONISHED by your actions. This is only a partial list of my blessings, (if I've forgotten anyone or thing, please blame it on lack of sleep/overload of gingerbread and old-age).
Zikomo kwambiri to our non-profit Board of Directors,
Zikomo kwambiri to excellent Staff (past & present), Marilyn, Sarah, Jennifer,
Lorna, Cynthia and Kat,
Zikomo kwambiri to our Volunteers,
Zikomo kwambiri to our Fair Trade Suppliers,
Zikomo kwambiri to my Michigan (and outside MI) Fair Trade Store friends,
Zikomo kwambiri to our Artisan Partners,
Zikomo kwambiri to the Chelsea business Community (neighbors/DDA/Chamber),
Zikomo kwambiri to other Chelsea Non-profits,
Zikomo kwambiri to Chelsea activists,
Zikomo kwambiri to the McKune Memorial Library, Bill & Staff,
Zikomo kwambiri to the Chelsea Cooperative Preschool,
Zikomo kwambiri to Chelsea Schools, students and Teachers,
Zikomo kwambiri to Soft Serve Symphony,
Zikomo kwambiri to our upstairs neiughbors who listen to drumming and the gong being
hit aprox 20 times a day,
Zikomo kwambiri to ourcustomers for theircontinued patronage, their stories, their
jokes and their belief that our actions in our day-to-day activities do make a
difference,
Zikomo kwambiri to those who get our Non-profit mission and chose to support our
vision for the future with a charitible donation, and
Zikomo kwambiri to my family for putting up with me.
I try to wrap my head around the number of these gifts that will be given tomorrow, the smile on the giver's face, the joy on the receiver's heart and the Hope in the lives of our Artisan Partner's lives and know that our small part in that miracle makes me ASTONISHLINGLY BLESSED.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday's to ALL!
Kevin Frahm
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'Y' is for You!
'Y' is for You.
Yes You.
Thank You for all that You do for the small scale producers, for the support You have given to The Mission Marketplace. Every little bit You do makes a big difference, so keep on recommending us to your friends both in person and on FaceBook, keep on shopping with us and keep on buying Fairtrade. We are blessed! Thank You.
Yes You.
Thank You for all that You do for the small scale producers, for the support You have given to The Mission Marketplace. Every little bit You do makes a big difference, so keep on recommending us to your friends both in person and on FaceBook, keep on shopping with us and keep on buying Fairtrade. We are blessed! Thank You.
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade -'X' is for 'eX-Xenophobe.
Who know when we embarked on this alphabetic trip I'd have to come up with something for 'X'.Well here goes...
Xenophibia, according to the dictionary is defined as; –noun, an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange.
Although Fair Trade is primarily focused in developing countries, we at the Mission Marketplace also try to support Domestic Fair Trade, however it is the artisans in developing countries I want to focus on.
We are fortunate to have a great community partner in the McKune Memorial Library in sponsoring an 'International Book Club'. Each month we travel and experience lives of other families around the globe and share our common experiences. Please check out our website and consider joining us.
The 'educational' component of Fair Trade is creating an environment of cultural appreciation and understanding. Our artisans are just like us, they struggle with many of thesame struggles we do. I've often said that when my children were born I realized that the love and hope for the future I feel when I look in my children's faces is special but not unique. Parents around the globe love love their children with the same love and passion that I feel.
I am fortunate to have been born in the United States, and although we are not without trials and tribulations here, and we have our own citizens struggling. The one thing about Michigan and the United States is that when their is a need elsewhere, that is when we are at our best. We are the first to respond, not necessarily because we are charitible (which we are), but because it is, quite simply, the RIGHT thing to do.
Xenophibia, according to the dictionary is defined as; –noun, an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange.
Although Fair Trade is primarily focused in developing countries, we at the Mission Marketplace also try to support Domestic Fair Trade, however it is the artisans in developing countries I want to focus on.
We are fortunate to have a great community partner in the McKune Memorial Library in sponsoring an 'International Book Club'. Each month we travel and experience lives of other families around the globe and share our common experiences. Please check out our website and consider joining us.
The 'educational' component of Fair Trade is creating an environment of cultural appreciation and understanding. Our artisans are just like us, they struggle with many of thesame struggles we do. I've often said that when my children were born I realized that the love and hope for the future I feel when I look in my children's faces is special but not unique. Parents around the globe love love their children with the same love and passion that I feel.
I am fortunate to have been born in the United States, and although we are not without trials and tribulations here, and we have our own citizens struggling. The one thing about Michigan and the United States is that when their is a need elsewhere, that is when we are at our best. We are the first to respond, not necessarily because we are charitible (which we are), but because it is, quite simply, the RIGHT thing to do.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A-Z of Fair Trade - 'W' is for Water
Water is the most valuable resource on the planet and it is gradually coming to the forefront as quiet global crisis.
Not just access to clean, safe drinking water but also the volume of water required to meet the demands of industry and agriculture. We need to piece together the dots...no country's crisis is in isolation and the sooner world leaders realize this the sooner they can act.
Johannesburg - ‘Concerned with a cholera threat from its northern neighbour, Zimbabwe, South Africa could be overlooking a creeping water crisis of its own, as ageing infrastructure and rising demand spew potentially deadly bacteria into its water systems.
When apartheid crumbled in 1994, an estimated 14 million South Africans lacked access to a formal water supply, and about half the country - 21 million people - had no formal sanitation, according to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry.
Since then, access to water has increased dramatically, but backlogs persist: in 2008, about 5 million people were still in need of adequate supplies, while three times more - 15 million people - lacked basic sanitation.
The quality of municipal drinking water is monitored monthly, with nearly all municipalities reporting an acceptable standard of water. However, outdated infrastructure and problems in retaining skilled staff have contributed to what DWAF admits are unacceptably high levels of pollution in some rivers and dams.
South Africa's tap water is among the best in the world, according to DWAF spokesperson Linda Page. But with millions still lacking access to flush toilets and piped water, the threat of waterborne diseases cannot be ignored, she said.
In 2008, half of the municipal water supplies surveyed in Western Cape Province, on the country's south coast, had high levels of the potentially deadly E. coli bacteria, according to a study released by the provincial DWAF.
In impoverished districts like Ukhahlamba, in neighbouring Eastern Cape Province, the problem is even more extreme. In 2008, Ukhahlamba reported levels of E. coli and other bacteria that were so high in some parts of its water supply it had been forced to issue "boil alerts" and supply water to severely affected communities by tanker trucks, according to presentations made to parliament in June.
Though E. coli can sometimes be traced back to certain industries, it is often taken as an indication that water supplies were recently contaminated with human or animal waste. That problem is being exacerbated by the first heavy rains of the 2009 season, which can wash contaminants into water systems.
Municipalities across the country have blamed poor water quality on a lack of resources and capacity that has put far too much strain on ageing water treatment plants. In 2004 South Africa had just 15,000 civil engineers, with the bulk in the private sector and only 11 percent working for local government.
With its source high in the Drakensberg Mountains, the Vaal River stretches more than 1,000km to become the main tributary to South Africa's longest waterway, the Orange River. It feeds large portions of the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan area, the country's economic heartland, as well as most of the northern Free State Province.
It has also, in some areas, registered high enough levels of faecal matter to warrant Rand Water, South Africa's largest bulk water utility, to warn that contact with the river may put people at risk of serious infection.
One of the major problems is that our system is very old - our pump station is giving us problems, almost everything is giving us problems.
Every year thousands of tourists flock to the towns that dot the banks of the Vaal. In sleepy Parys, visitors make up a vital part of the local economy, but in December, when the extent of the pollution became known, the town lost about US$180,000 a week in cancellations. According to businessman Carl Cilliers, who runs a resort on the river's edge, a repeat performance could put him and his family out of business.
Local wildlife is also struggling to cope with the environmental impact. Recently, court-ordered contractors removed 20 tonnes of dead fish after a local NGO, Save the Vaal River Environment (SAVE), took the local Emfuleni municipality to court for leaking millions of litres of raw sewage into the river. SAVE said the pollution had contributed to stomach and intestinal disorders among nearby residents.
In its defence, Emfuleni municipality - well aware of its failing pumps and ageing infrastructure - argues that it lacks the finances and capacity to correct the situation.
"One of the major problems is that our system is very old - our pump station is giving us problems, almost everything is giving us problems," said Mojalefa Radebe, media relations officer at the municipality's Water Service Unit. In 2007, the municipality ran an operational deficit of about US$4 million, with an outstanding US$2 million debt to Rand Water.
Dr Roman Tandlich, a lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy at Rhodes University, in Eastern Cape, and former fellow of the university's Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality, said surface streams and rivers like the Vaal were the sole source of water for many people living in informal settlements, as well as rural and peri-urban areas.
While Tandlich admits there are backlogs in the provision of drinking water and sanitation, and that mistakes have been made, he also stresses the complex environment in which post-apartheid service provision operates.
For instance, standard sanitation systems are problematic in townships, and systems based on ventilated pit latrines, where an additional ventilation shaft is dug alongside the main hole to reduce odour and the presence of flies and mosquitoes, are being explored.
Studies from Ghana have shown that extremely high levels of government subsidy are needed to fund conventional sewage systems, while ventilated pit latrines have proven to be a cost-effective alternative.
"[The] backlog in service delivery is huge in South Africa," Tandlich said. "Mistakes have been made in the past, but it also has to be stated that some challenges are so unique that no easy answers or parallels to draw on exist."
DWAF's Page said funds have been put aside to address problems in infrastructure, as well as the issues of budget management and skills shortages'.
Not just access to clean, safe drinking water but also the volume of water required to meet the demands of industry and agriculture. We need to piece together the dots...no country's crisis is in isolation and the sooner world leaders realize this the sooner they can act.
Johannesburg - ‘Concerned with a cholera threat from its northern neighbour, Zimbabwe, South Africa could be overlooking a creeping water crisis of its own, as ageing infrastructure and rising demand spew potentially deadly bacteria into its water systems.
When apartheid crumbled in 1994, an estimated 14 million South Africans lacked access to a formal water supply, and about half the country - 21 million people - had no formal sanitation, according to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry.
Since then, access to water has increased dramatically, but backlogs persist: in 2008, about 5 million people were still in need of adequate supplies, while three times more - 15 million people - lacked basic sanitation.
The quality of municipal drinking water is monitored monthly, with nearly all municipalities reporting an acceptable standard of water. However, outdated infrastructure and problems in retaining skilled staff have contributed to what DWAF admits are unacceptably high levels of pollution in some rivers and dams.
South Africa's tap water is among the best in the world, according to DWAF spokesperson Linda Page. But with millions still lacking access to flush toilets and piped water, the threat of waterborne diseases cannot be ignored, she said.
In 2008, half of the municipal water supplies surveyed in Western Cape Province, on the country's south coast, had high levels of the potentially deadly E. coli bacteria, according to a study released by the provincial DWAF.
In impoverished districts like Ukhahlamba, in neighbouring Eastern Cape Province, the problem is even more extreme. In 2008, Ukhahlamba reported levels of E. coli and other bacteria that were so high in some parts of its water supply it had been forced to issue "boil alerts" and supply water to severely affected communities by tanker trucks, according to presentations made to parliament in June.
Though E. coli can sometimes be traced back to certain industries, it is often taken as an indication that water supplies were recently contaminated with human or animal waste. That problem is being exacerbated by the first heavy rains of the 2009 season, which can wash contaminants into water systems.
Municipalities across the country have blamed poor water quality on a lack of resources and capacity that has put far too much strain on ageing water treatment plants. In 2004 South Africa had just 15,000 civil engineers, with the bulk in the private sector and only 11 percent working for local government.
With its source high in the Drakensberg Mountains, the Vaal River stretches more than 1,000km to become the main tributary to South Africa's longest waterway, the Orange River. It feeds large portions of the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan area, the country's economic heartland, as well as most of the northern Free State Province.
It has also, in some areas, registered high enough levels of faecal matter to warrant Rand Water, South Africa's largest bulk water utility, to warn that contact with the river may put people at risk of serious infection.
One of the major problems is that our system is very old - our pump station is giving us problems, almost everything is giving us problems.
Every year thousands of tourists flock to the towns that dot the banks of the Vaal. In sleepy Parys, visitors make up a vital part of the local economy, but in December, when the extent of the pollution became known, the town lost about US$180,000 a week in cancellations. According to businessman Carl Cilliers, who runs a resort on the river's edge, a repeat performance could put him and his family out of business.
Local wildlife is also struggling to cope with the environmental impact. Recently, court-ordered contractors removed 20 tonnes of dead fish after a local NGO, Save the Vaal River Environment (SAVE), took the local Emfuleni municipality to court for leaking millions of litres of raw sewage into the river. SAVE said the pollution had contributed to stomach and intestinal disorders among nearby residents.
In its defence, Emfuleni municipality - well aware of its failing pumps and ageing infrastructure - argues that it lacks the finances and capacity to correct the situation.
"One of the major problems is that our system is very old - our pump station is giving us problems, almost everything is giving us problems," said Mojalefa Radebe, media relations officer at the municipality's Water Service Unit. In 2007, the municipality ran an operational deficit of about US$4 million, with an outstanding US$2 million debt to Rand Water.
Dr Roman Tandlich, a lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy at Rhodes University, in Eastern Cape, and former fellow of the university's Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality, said surface streams and rivers like the Vaal were the sole source of water for many people living in informal settlements, as well as rural and peri-urban areas.
While Tandlich admits there are backlogs in the provision of drinking water and sanitation, and that mistakes have been made, he also stresses the complex environment in which post-apartheid service provision operates.
For instance, standard sanitation systems are problematic in townships, and systems based on ventilated pit latrines, where an additional ventilation shaft is dug alongside the main hole to reduce odour and the presence of flies and mosquitoes, are being explored.
Studies from Ghana have shown that extremely high levels of government subsidy are needed to fund conventional sewage systems, while ventilated pit latrines have proven to be a cost-effective alternative.
"[The] backlog in service delivery is huge in South Africa," Tandlich said. "Mistakes have been made in the past, but it also has to be stated that some challenges are so unique that no easy answers or parallels to draw on exist."
DWAF's Page said funds have been put aside to address problems in infrastructure, as well as the issues of budget management and skills shortages'.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'V' is for Values
Value for the Holiday's is always the Holy Grail. What shopper doesn't want to get the most value for his or her dollar. We at The Mission Marketplace are proud to be Chelsea's Fair Trade Store but even more proud to be Chelsea's fairly-priced Fair Trade store.
But what about VALUES!
Fair Trade is about honoring both the producer AND the recipient of our gifts. It is about living our values. Buying a Fair Trade gift is like giving a gift twice. It is truly in the spirit of Christmas, giving, but is it NOT charity, it is using our purchasing power, in line with our values, to make a World of Difference.
But what about VALUES!
Fair Trade is about honoring both the producer AND the recipient of our gifts. It is about living our values. Buying a Fair Trade gift is like giving a gift twice. It is truly in the spirit of Christmas, giving, but is it NOT charity, it is using our purchasing power, in line with our values, to make a World of Difference.
Monday, December 20, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'U' is for Uganda
Sorry folks, I missed posting yesterday (too many Gingerbread men, family movies and shopping) so today you get a TWO-fer.
The war in northern Uganda raged for 22 years, making it Africa's longest running conflict and as one senior U.N. official described it "the world's worst neglected humanitarian crisis." Out of this conflict and turmoil rose a monster and his horrific army. Since its founding in 1988, Joseph Kony’s - Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) – has subjected civilians to brutal attacks, rape, torture, extra-judicial execution and destruction of homes and communities. The LRA systematically abducted children for use as soldiers. Up to eighty percent of the group's military force was made up of child soldiers. The threat of violence left civilians at constant risk of indiscriminate attacks and displacement. The LRA is still in existence but has moved across the border into the Congo.
Fearing the LRA thousands of northern residents fled to the far south of Uganda. Many of these people ended up in the IDP (Internal Displaced Persons) camps. One of these areas, located outside of the capital city of Kampala, is known as the Acholi Slum or Acholi Quarter due to the large population of persons from Acholiland in the north. Approximately 10,000 people are living in this area donated by a tribal king. The term camp is used loosely. While the King’s charity was wonderful for the people, it was very simply a large plat of land donated for them to settle. There is no infrastructure. There is no sanitation system, no garbage removal, there are less than 10 of 4000 homes with power and only a couple sources of running water.
The major struggles for the inhabitants are similar to other IDP camps and poverty stricken areas. Namely - starvation, poor sanitation, psychosocial trauma, lack of education, and HIV/AIDS. Malaria is a major issue and young children are losing their lives. With very few opportunities, women are forced to work in the quarries crushing rock by hand. Working all day, exposed to the weather and dust, they can earn the equivalent of 75 cents. They do not earn enough for health care, education or savings for future needs. There is certainly no hope of business or home ownership. They can do nothing but afford their basic life needs of food and shelter. There is no opportunity for escaping this cycle of extreme poverty. Of utmost concern to the adults is their realization that with no access to education, their children are doomed to the same fate.
Ugandan PaperBead jewelry are made from recycled paper by poverty stricken people in the displaced person camps of Kampala, Uganda.
Quite literally, each purchase recycles hope. Without the option of making jewelry, the people would be forced to work long hours of extreme physical labor in rock quarries to earn just enough to avoid starvation.
Each product sold provides a way for them to make above average wages and be at home with their families. Each piece of jewelry sold provides them with funds that are used for food, shelter, healthcare and school tuition. These funds are also used for art and sports programs for children.
You will look beautiful in these stunning pieces.
The war in northern Uganda raged for 22 years, making it Africa's longest running conflict and as one senior U.N. official described it "the world's worst neglected humanitarian crisis." Out of this conflict and turmoil rose a monster and his horrific army. Since its founding in 1988, Joseph Kony’s - Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) – has subjected civilians to brutal attacks, rape, torture, extra-judicial execution and destruction of homes and communities. The LRA systematically abducted children for use as soldiers. Up to eighty percent of the group's military force was made up of child soldiers. The threat of violence left civilians at constant risk of indiscriminate attacks and displacement. The LRA is still in existence but has moved across the border into the Congo.
Fearing the LRA thousands of northern residents fled to the far south of Uganda. Many of these people ended up in the IDP (Internal Displaced Persons) camps. One of these areas, located outside of the capital city of Kampala, is known as the Acholi Slum or Acholi Quarter due to the large population of persons from Acholiland in the north. Approximately 10,000 people are living in this area donated by a tribal king. The term camp is used loosely. While the King’s charity was wonderful for the people, it was very simply a large plat of land donated for them to settle. There is no infrastructure. There is no sanitation system, no garbage removal, there are less than 10 of 4000 homes with power and only a couple sources of running water.
The major struggles for the inhabitants are similar to other IDP camps and poverty stricken areas. Namely - starvation, poor sanitation, psychosocial trauma, lack of education, and HIV/AIDS. Malaria is a major issue and young children are losing their lives. With very few opportunities, women are forced to work in the quarries crushing rock by hand. Working all day, exposed to the weather and dust, they can earn the equivalent of 75 cents. They do not earn enough for health care, education or savings for future needs. There is certainly no hope of business or home ownership. They can do nothing but afford their basic life needs of food and shelter. There is no opportunity for escaping this cycle of extreme poverty. Of utmost concern to the adults is their realization that with no access to education, their children are doomed to the same fate.
Ugandan PaperBead jewelry are made from recycled paper by poverty stricken people in the displaced person camps of Kampala, Uganda.
Quite literally, each purchase recycles hope. Without the option of making jewelry, the people would be forced to work long hours of extreme physical labor in rock quarries to earn just enough to avoid starvation.
Each product sold provides a way for them to make above average wages and be at home with their families. Each piece of jewelry sold provides them with funds that are used for food, shelter, healthcare and school tuition. These funds are also used for art and sports programs for children.
You will look beautiful in these stunning pieces.
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'T' is for Traditions
T is for Traditions. Christmas carols, decorating the tree, festive food and the giving of gifts that show you care - it’s these timeless and meaningful traditions that are some of the warmest, most wonderful aspects of Christmas.
Fair Trade promotes traditional crafts and helps revive dying arts and skills, providing artisans with a livelihood, and revitalising craft communities.
This Christmas you can start a wonderful new tradition, the tradition of giving fair trade gifts. Buying fair trade makes a a real difference to the lives of artisans and their families in the developing world.
Fair Trade promotes traditional crafts and helps revive dying arts and skills, providing artisans with a livelihood, and revitalising craft communities.
This Christmas you can start a wonderful new tradition, the tradition of giving fair trade gifts. Buying fair trade makes a a real difference to the lives of artisans and their families in the developing world.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'S' is for Sweaters
On a cold afternoon, almost better than a loved one's arms around you are warm sweaters from The Mission Marketplace. We carry a unique selection from Nepal, Ecuador and Bolivia. We have Adult and children sizes. Some of our selections are fleece-lined, some are wool while others are soft alpaca.
One of our suppliers from Nepal, Ganesh Himal Trading has worked for years developing a colorful and diverse selection of hand knit sweaters, hats, gloves, mittens, glittens and socks. Our wool is a soft, high quality blend with long fibers for strength, warmth and durability.
Five different groups of knitters produce Ganesh Himal’s beautiful knitwear. Each group is fairly paid and creates products that differ in color and style. We have worked with many of these knitters since the 1980′s when they were first learning to knit. Our newest addition is a social enterprise dedicated to uplifting women who have been victims of trafficking, domestic violence and the political turmoil in Nepal. Their goal is to help these disadvantaged women create an economically self-sustainable community by training them to produce high quality wool knit accessories that Ganesh Himal Trading is excited to bring to you!
Over 25 years and thousands of sweaters later we now work with five different knitting groups, creating a terrific variety of knit items, including hats, gloves and mittens, sweaters, socks and more.
What intrigued us initially about selling knits, besides the quality, is what still inspires us today. It is the perfect cottage industry providing thousands of people in Nepal with a source of income. Most of the knitters are woman who can work in their homes as time allows or in neighborhood community groups. As these women generate their own income their status and decision making in their families grows.
The newest knitting group we work with was started by the daughter of some of our oldest Tibetan friends in Kathmandu. Her goal is to provide training and skills development as well as design and marketing assistance to woman who have been victims of trafficking, domestic violence and the political turmoil in Nepal. This is our second year working with this group and we are proud to add these “Shelter-Knit” products to our line of knitwear. We have established extra financial benefits for the producers in this project by creating a separate fund from the sales of their products. The use of this money is decided upon by the producers. This year they determined the money should go to the poorest among them to provide for their children’s education.
One of our suppliers from Nepal, Ganesh Himal Trading has worked for years developing a colorful and diverse selection of hand knit sweaters, hats, gloves, mittens, glittens and socks. Our wool is a soft, high quality blend with long fibers for strength, warmth and durability.
Five different groups of knitters produce Ganesh Himal’s beautiful knitwear. Each group is fairly paid and creates products that differ in color and style. We have worked with many of these knitters since the 1980′s when they were first learning to knit. Our newest addition is a social enterprise dedicated to uplifting women who have been victims of trafficking, domestic violence and the political turmoil in Nepal. Their goal is to help these disadvantaged women create an economically self-sustainable community by training them to produce high quality wool knit accessories that Ganesh Himal Trading is excited to bring to you!
Over 25 years and thousands of sweaters later we now work with five different knitting groups, creating a terrific variety of knit items, including hats, gloves and mittens, sweaters, socks and more.
What intrigued us initially about selling knits, besides the quality, is what still inspires us today. It is the perfect cottage industry providing thousands of people in Nepal with a source of income. Most of the knitters are woman who can work in their homes as time allows or in neighborhood community groups. As these women generate their own income their status and decision making in their families grows.
The newest knitting group we work with was started by the daughter of some of our oldest Tibetan friends in Kathmandu. Her goal is to provide training and skills development as well as design and marketing assistance to woman who have been victims of trafficking, domestic violence and the political turmoil in Nepal. This is our second year working with this group and we are proud to add these “Shelter-Knit” products to our line of knitwear. We have established extra financial benefits for the producers in this project by creating a separate fund from the sales of their products. The use of this money is decided upon by the producers. This year they determined the money should go to the poorest among them to provide for their children’s education.
Friday, December 17, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'R' is for Rings
R is for Ring and aren’t these rings lovely? They would make the perfect accessory for a Christmas outfit. Starting at only 10.00 each they are also nice to your pocket. Some of these cocktail rings are made from semi precious chippings and would make a great accessory for a special occasion this winter. Many are adjustable to fit most sizes.
We have hand-painted clay beads from Ethiopia, beaded rings from Guatemala, Tagua and Flip Rings (you can turn the stone to match your outfit - You'll really 'flip' over them) from Ecuador, Batik Bone from Kenya and Metal rings from India. Something to match your Holiday flair.
One of the co-operatives producing this jewelry is made up of sixty women, and was specifically set up to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for families and communities displaced from their homes by a major hydro-electric project. Nearly 800 households were affected by the project.
We have hand-painted clay beads from Ethiopia, beaded rings from Guatemala, Tagua and Flip Rings (you can turn the stone to match your outfit - You'll really 'flip' over them) from Ecuador, Batik Bone from Kenya and Metal rings from India. Something to match your Holiday flair.
One of the co-operatives producing this jewelry is made up of sixty women, and was specifically set up to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for families and communities displaced from their homes by a major hydro-electric project. Nearly 800 households were affected by the project.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
A-Z of Shopping FairTrade - 'Q' is for Quality
Fair Trade Produces Quality
Quite simply, when artisans know they receive a fair, living wage for their work, they can focus on their work, focus on creativity, focus on good materials, focus on quality.
Fair trade produces quality, breeds empowerment, fuels creativity and fosters respect and peace.
Jewellers employ a range of skills, from traditional, honed over the centuries, their designs reflecting local culture and environment, through to methods derived from the space programme.
Some artisans recycle local resources such as bone, quills and coconut shell, others work intricate designs in glass, ceramics, silver and semi-precious stones, and still others use space age technologies to produce stunningly beautiful dichroic glass jewellery.
However, it's not necessarily only the quality of the item we focus on, it is also the Quality of the experience our guests feel when they walk through our doors, the friendly greeting, the offering of coffee andthe helpful service that leads to the improvement in the QUALITY OF OUR PRODUCER'S LIVES. Which ultimately is why we do what we do and shoppers like you shop where you do.
Quite simply, when artisans know they receive a fair, living wage for their work, they can focus on their work, focus on creativity, focus on good materials, focus on quality.
Fair trade produces quality, breeds empowerment, fuels creativity and fosters respect and peace.
Jewellers employ a range of skills, from traditional, honed over the centuries, their designs reflecting local culture and environment, through to methods derived from the space programme.
Some artisans recycle local resources such as bone, quills and coconut shell, others work intricate designs in glass, ceramics, silver and semi-precious stones, and still others use space age technologies to produce stunningly beautiful dichroic glass jewellery.
However, it's not necessarily only the quality of the item we focus on, it is also the Quality of the experience our guests feel when they walk through our doors, the friendly greeting, the offering of coffee andthe helpful service that leads to the improvement in the QUALITY OF OUR PRODUCER'S LIVES. Which ultimately is why we do what we do and shoppers like you shop where you do.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'P' is for Poo
Elephant Poo Poo stationary/cards are some of our favorite gift items. I think they may actually rival coal for that 'naughty' little joke Holiday gift. Yet they do have a serious side. These are Products With a Purpose. The purpose is to successfully sell these goods in order to complete a truly creative sustainable cycle: where raw materials with little other use are utilized to make a useful and functional product all the while providing jobs and opportunity along the way and ultimately selling these goods at a profit from which a portion is directed to a worthwhile cause: elephant welfare and conservation.
Basically, the sustainable cycle works like this: as with all creatures on our planet, elephants need a clean environment and a good diet. With these needs met, an elephant produces a lot of dung, which is collected and used to make these products. Producers work with various conservation parks (and mahouts) to gather the dung (which is full of fibrous material and makes great paper). They then process the dung into paper sheets from which the products are made. The more they sell to customers like you and to Fair Trade stores across the country and around the world ...the more they can contribute as a portion of the profits from each item you buy is contributed to elephant welfare and conservation programs!
Basically, the sustainable cycle works like this: as with all creatures on our planet, elephants need a clean environment and a good diet. With these needs met, an elephant produces a lot of dung, which is collected and used to make these products. Producers work with various conservation parks (and mahouts) to gather the dung (which is full of fibrous material and makes great paper). They then process the dung into paper sheets from which the products are made. The more they sell to customers like you and to Fair Trade stores across the country and around the world ...the more they can contribute as a portion of the profits from each item you buy is contributed to elephant welfare and conservation programs!
Monday, December 13, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'O' is for Ornaments
Holiday Ornaments can bring back so many memories. As we are decking our Halls and Trimming our Trees, why not start a tradition of sharing your wishes for the holidays by purchasing an ornament (ot two) that help families around the world.
We have hand carved gourd ornaments from Peru, Brushkin animals from the Philippines, beaded zoo animnals from India, Soda-Can Attitude Angels from South Africa, Elephant Poo Tree ornaments from Thailand, Knit ornaments from Bolivia, Rolled Newspaper, Seeds and numerous others. (Get the picture - WE HAVE LOTS!)
Whether your decorations are traditional or eclectic, we have something for every tree and why not start a tradition of purchasing one for your children, so they have a 'starter' set filled with your love as they grow.
We have hand carved gourd ornaments from Peru, Brushkin animals from the Philippines, beaded zoo animnals from India, Soda-Can Attitude Angels from South Africa, Elephant Poo Tree ornaments from Thailand, Knit ornaments from Bolivia, Rolled Newspaper, Seeds and numerous others. (Get the picture - WE HAVE LOTS!)
Whether your decorations are traditional or eclectic, we have something for every tree and why not start a tradition of purchasing one for your children, so they have a 'starter' set filled with your love as they grow.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
A=Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'N' is for Nativities
One of our Fair Trade Nativity Set would certainly be a talking point in your home this Christmas.
Our Kisi Stone set from Kenya depicts very tall elegant figurines beautifully hand carved. While the set from Peru contains a llama instead of a sheep. Or choose a set from Indonesia where the hand painted characters are partying with joy. We have hand-painted retablos, carved gourds, Tagua nut, ceramics, bean bags, some carved in seed pods and even some made out of kitchen utinsels (cheese grater/wine opener/spoons and strawberry huller) that we like to call our 'Someone's in the kitchen with Jesus' version.
Traditional, funky, child-like or whatever, we have a wide selection for every collector and family.
They come in different sizes so you can choose which would be most suitable for you Christmas Crib scene. You can purchase them and prices start at less than $20.
Stop in and pick your favorite.
Our Kisi Stone set from Kenya depicts very tall elegant figurines beautifully hand carved. While the set from Peru contains a llama instead of a sheep. Or choose a set from Indonesia where the hand painted characters are partying with joy. We have hand-painted retablos, carved gourds, Tagua nut, ceramics, bean bags, some carved in seed pods and even some made out of kitchen utinsels (cheese grater/wine opener/spoons and strawberry huller) that we like to call our 'Someone's in the kitchen with Jesus' version.
Traditional, funky, child-like or whatever, we have a wide selection for every collector and family.
They come in different sizes so you can choose which would be most suitable for you Christmas Crib scene. You can purchase them and prices start at less than $20.
Stop in and pick your favorite.
Friday, December 10, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'M' is for Music and Musical Instrruments
Christmas and the Holidays are the time to really make a JOYFUL NOISE (and make it LOUD)! And there is nothing more joyful than the sound of children making music.
One of the reasons we decided to do this A-Z of Christmas on our blog was to let people know about the wide variety of fair trade goods there are available. One thing I don’t think people would associate with Fair Trade is musical instruments. We have a range of percussion instruments, from a lovely Gecko Clacker for little hands, percussion frogs/crickets/pigs to a full size Vietnamese Gong and a Jammer Djembe.
They are all made around the world by local artists, communities and craftsmen. Producers represent theircommunity's traditions, and both male and female craftsmen are employed through the various stages of the production process. This helps to further maintain a social balance in these areas. Producers are allowed to dictate prices and these prices are well above local averages.
We also carry a full selection of Putumayo World Music CDs. Come on in, sing and play along.
One of the reasons we decided to do this A-Z of Christmas on our blog was to let people know about the wide variety of fair trade goods there are available. One thing I don’t think people would associate with Fair Trade is musical instruments. We have a range of percussion instruments, from a lovely Gecko Clacker for little hands, percussion frogs/crickets/pigs to a full size Vietnamese Gong and a Jammer Djembe.
They are all made around the world by local artists, communities and craftsmen. Producers represent theircommunity's traditions, and both male and female craftsmen are employed through the various stages of the production process. This helps to further maintain a social balance in these areas. Producers are allowed to dictate prices and these prices are well above local averages.
We also carry a full selection of Putumayo World Music CDs. Come on in, sing and play along.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade -'L' is for Light
Candles certainly do their part in creating a Christmas atmosphere in your home.
Our onyx tealight holders are carved from onyx in Pakistan and are simply beautiful! Look lovely alone or grouped together. The artisans are based in Kurachi, Pakistan where nearly 20 independently owned workshops make up the group called Dominion Traders. They receive large boulders of onyx from the mines in Naukundi and a representative from each workshop chooses the boulders with the most beautiful coloring and grains. They then chisel the blocks into smaller pieces that are turned into items ranging from candles to apples and elephants. Each one is truly a work of art!
Please keep in mind that onyx is a natural stone, so colors and patterns vary widely, but all are beautiful!!
The Mission Marketplace also carries hand-painted candles made by women at Tokoloshe in South Africa. We also have a selection in Holiday colors. These hand crafted African candles allow you to take home a little piece of Africa.
From the Cape to Mozambique, Malawi, Ghana and East Africa this functional art product captures the warmth and beauty of Africa. The vivid colors reflect the variety of the landscape and its many cultures. The designs of the African hand painded candles incorporate animal prints and geometric shapes that are frequently used in tribal patterns.
Because by buying Tokoloshe you are ensuring that the women of Tokolkoshe, Ashley, Beauty, Esilly, Gift, Maria, Nonhlanhla, Prudence, Thokozile and Vusani are able to earn a fair living wage in the local context.
Like other fair trade products, the atmosphere in the workshop is lively. There is singing, music, laughter, chatter and the joy is evident on the faces of our team. Together with our African artisan team we design and create color, stripes, spirals, squiggles and whorls to bring you the warm art of Africa.
Our onyx tealight holders are carved from onyx in Pakistan and are simply beautiful! Look lovely alone or grouped together. The artisans are based in Kurachi, Pakistan where nearly 20 independently owned workshops make up the group called Dominion Traders. They receive large boulders of onyx from the mines in Naukundi and a representative from each workshop chooses the boulders with the most beautiful coloring and grains. They then chisel the blocks into smaller pieces that are turned into items ranging from candles to apples and elephants. Each one is truly a work of art!
Please keep in mind that onyx is a natural stone, so colors and patterns vary widely, but all are beautiful!!
The Mission Marketplace also carries hand-painted candles made by women at Tokoloshe in South Africa. We also have a selection in Holiday colors. These hand crafted African candles allow you to take home a little piece of Africa.
From the Cape to Mozambique, Malawi, Ghana and East Africa this functional art product captures the warmth and beauty of Africa. The vivid colors reflect the variety of the landscape and its many cultures. The designs of the African hand painded candles incorporate animal prints and geometric shapes that are frequently used in tribal patterns.
Because by buying Tokoloshe you are ensuring that the women of Tokolkoshe, Ashley, Beauty, Esilly, Gift, Maria, Nonhlanhla, Prudence, Thokozile and Vusani are able to earn a fair living wage in the local context.
Like other fair trade products, the atmosphere in the workshop is lively. There is singing, music, laughter, chatter and the joy is evident on the faces of our team. Together with our African artisan team we design and create color, stripes, spirals, squiggles and whorls to bring you the warm art of Africa.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'K' is for Kenya
We have a range of traditional, ethnic fair trade fashion jewellery which is skilfully produced by physically challenged artisans at Bombalulu in Kenya, who would otherwise be homeless and destitute.
Their fair trade jewellery collection has received international acclaim for their exclusive African designs and excellent finishes and demonstrates fantastic fair trade crafts.
Founded in 1969, the Bombalulu Cultural centre is well worth a visit. It is a project of the Association for the Physically disabled of Kenya.
The Project trains and employs over 180 people in handicraft production and related business skills.
All hand crafted products made by these gifted artisans are displayed in a showroom where visitors are able to purchase high quality products while providing economic support.
The Cultural Centre was added in 1994 and portrays the Kenyan way of life as it existed in the past and in many cases still exists in remote areas. From Moslem to Masai dwellings and even a real live witch doctor to cure all your ills and ward off evil spirits!
Their fair trade jewellery collection has received international acclaim for their exclusive African designs and excellent finishes and demonstrates fantastic fair trade crafts.
Founded in 1969, the Bombalulu Cultural centre is well worth a visit. It is a project of the Association for the Physically disabled of Kenya.
The Project trains and employs over 180 people in handicraft production and related business skills.
All hand crafted products made by these gifted artisans are displayed in a showroom where visitors are able to purchase high quality products while providing economic support.
The Cultural Centre was added in 1994 and portrays the Kenyan way of life as it existed in the past and in many cases still exists in remote areas. From Moslem to Masai dwellings and even a real live witch doctor to cure all your ills and ward off evil spirits!
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'J' is for Jewelry
A Jewelry Box makes a nice gift for Christmas and we have a lovely fair trade selection of fine Jewelry available. Made in India you can choose from boxes made from saris, or silk and skilfully decorated with embroidery. They are all beautifully finished inside. A good reason for purchasing fair trade items like this is to create a demand which helps to keep ancient craft skills alive within the communities of indigenous people.
From Hand-rolled Magazine Beaded necklaces/Bracelets/Earrings from Uganda, Tagua or Vegetable Ivory (an Elephants best-friend) to beautiful metal beaded lariats made by the Women of Trampled Rose in Ethiopia as they recover from fistula repair surgery, we have something for every woman.
We just received georgous sterling silver Butterfly Wing Jewelry from Peru. These hand-made jewelry pieces contain real butterfly wings encased in sterling Silver. The butterflies are from a sustainable and ecological butterfly farm, and the wings are harvested AFTER the end of the butterfly's natural life. Projects such as this support two groups, the regulated breeders of the butterflies and the jewelry artisans.
From Hand-rolled Magazine Beaded necklaces/Bracelets/Earrings from Uganda, Tagua or Vegetable Ivory (an Elephants best-friend) to beautiful metal beaded lariats made by the Women of Trampled Rose in Ethiopia as they recover from fistula repair surgery, we have something for every woman.
We just received georgous sterling silver Butterfly Wing Jewelry from Peru. These hand-made jewelry pieces contain real butterfly wings encased in sterling Silver. The butterflies are from a sustainable and ecological butterfly farm, and the wings are harvested AFTER the end of the butterfly's natural life. Projects such as this support two groups, the regulated breeders of the butterflies and the jewelry artisans.
Monday, December 6, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'I' is for Indonesia
Indonesia has seen great turmoil in recent years, having faced the Asian financial crisis, the fall of President Suharto after 32 years in office, the first free elections since the 1960s, the loss of East Timor, independence demands from restive provinces, bloody ethnic and religious conflict and a devastating tsunami.
There are a number of brilliant fair trade projects operating in Indonesia, usually supplementing the income of subsistence farmers. A lovely nativity set, is guaranteed to be a talking point in any home this Christmas, the bright hand- painted colours on the wooden figures are inspired by the Dayak traditional dress. Pekerti (Indonesian People's Folk-Art and Handicraft Foundation), is a social development agency formed in Jakarta, 1975. Its mandate is to supplement the incomes of subsistence farmers and rural people through the development and sale of traditional fair trade crafts and folks art. Pekerti trains and gives assistance to the producers to market domestically. They also give services in marketing, especially in export marketing, which cannot be done by the producers themselves. Pekerti also gives the producers an advanced payment for the producers and also a credit scheme for investment.
Our range of musical instruments is also produced in Indonesia by local artists, communities and craftsmen. Producers represent the five main religions and both male and female craftsmen are employed through the various stages of the production process. This helps to further maintain a social balance in these areas. Producers are allowed to dictate prices and these prices are above local averages. In return they supply high quality products and there is an attention to detail that surpasses products made under factory or other mass-production conditions. This rewards the high quality craftsmen and encourages other importers to work with the high quality artists above other producers.
Forced child labour is not used but the part-time training of older youths is encouraged. These trainees remain in education and they receive a full wage for the time that they spend working. This will ensure that they have a career to follow upon leaving school and will help to sustain the community for successive generations. All raw materials are sustainable and legal. No poached or endangered woods are used. No toxic or harmful materials are to be used in the production process and any waste created must be disposed of in an ecologically sound manner.
There are a number of brilliant fair trade projects operating in Indonesia, usually supplementing the income of subsistence farmers. A lovely nativity set, is guaranteed to be a talking point in any home this Christmas, the bright hand- painted colours on the wooden figures are inspired by the Dayak traditional dress. Pekerti (Indonesian People's Folk-Art and Handicraft Foundation), is a social development agency formed in Jakarta, 1975. Its mandate is to supplement the incomes of subsistence farmers and rural people through the development and sale of traditional fair trade crafts and folks art. Pekerti trains and gives assistance to the producers to market domestically. They also give services in marketing, especially in export marketing, which cannot be done by the producers themselves. Pekerti also gives the producers an advanced payment for the producers and also a credit scheme for investment.
Our range of musical instruments is also produced in Indonesia by local artists, communities and craftsmen. Producers represent the five main religions and both male and female craftsmen are employed through the various stages of the production process. This helps to further maintain a social balance in these areas. Producers are allowed to dictate prices and these prices are above local averages. In return they supply high quality products and there is an attention to detail that surpasses products made under factory or other mass-production conditions. This rewards the high quality craftsmen and encourages other importers to work with the high quality artists above other producers.
Forced child labour is not used but the part-time training of older youths is encouraged. These trainees remain in education and they receive a full wage for the time that they spend working. This will ensure that they have a career to follow upon leaving school and will help to sustain the community for successive generations. All raw materials are sustainable and legal. No poached or endangered woods are used. No toxic or harmful materials are to be used in the production process and any waste created must be disposed of in an ecologically sound manner.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'H' is for Holding your Head High
All of our products come with wonderful stories of the people making them but the story of Hatti Bags is truly inspiring. These beautiful bags inspired with sari prints are made by girls rescued from Indian circuses by the Esther Benjamins Trust.
In 2002 the EBT sent research teams to the 30 major Indian circuses. At great personal danger, teams identified 232 children under the age of 14, 82% of them girls and nearly all Nepalese. Most of the children had been trafficked at the age of 8 or 9 (although some had been as young as 5). They told how their village communities had been preyed upon by professional agents who had tricked their impoverished and illiterate parents into handing them over to the circus for just a few dollars.
Thumbprints on documents that the naïve parents could not read condemned their children to an 18-hour per day, seven days per week routine for the next 10 to 15 years. Inadvertently they were also handing over their children to a life of malnourishment, harsh training schedules and vicious beatings by the circus staff. Frequently the girls would also be sexually assaulted.
Bold rescue teams were sent to confront the circus owners and use all legal means on the ground to secure freedom. This high-risk process led to the release of over 200 trafficking victims during the period 2003 - 2009. The youngest children who return from the circuses can mostly - and safely - be reunited with their parents and join school at an appropriate age.
For the older girls who might lack the academic ability or interest in joining formal education there is a skills training project to help them get back on their feet and gain an independent life, however, it has became evident that securing jobs for the returnees is virtually impossible due to the social stigma associated with being trafficked. So in 2005, instead of trying to secure outside employment for the girls the EBT, in conjunction with Hatti Trading (UK) set up a handbag production centre under Fair Trade conditions to provide a realistic economic alternative to being re-trafficked.
In June 2007, Hatti took on responsibility for the production centre and set up an independent private, but not for profit, company called Hatti Production Pvt Ltd. They still work in exactly the same way, providing training and jobs for young women rescued by The Esther Benjamins Trust and the charity is still close on hand to look out for the girls’ welfare, but the production centre is now an independent entity.
What wasn't anticipated at the time was the impact it would have on the girls who worked there; suddenly, they transitioned from being ‘charity cases’ to independent professional young women working for a foreign organisation. Their self esteem went through the roof; finally they could hold their head up high when asked what they do. At the same time there was a move to a new premises so the locals had no knowledge of what they had come from, and the girls could at last truly move on from their past.
Hatti started with 8 girls, there are now 17, plus Ritu, the Production Centre Manager, Shanti, the House Mother and two security guards. Some girls are now living with relatives locally and there has even been a wedding recently. The main difference now is that the girls are empowered to make their own choices and have the confidence to do so.
In 2002 the EBT sent research teams to the 30 major Indian circuses. At great personal danger, teams identified 232 children under the age of 14, 82% of them girls and nearly all Nepalese. Most of the children had been trafficked at the age of 8 or 9 (although some had been as young as 5). They told how their village communities had been preyed upon by professional agents who had tricked their impoverished and illiterate parents into handing them over to the circus for just a few dollars.
Thumbprints on documents that the naïve parents could not read condemned their children to an 18-hour per day, seven days per week routine for the next 10 to 15 years. Inadvertently they were also handing over their children to a life of malnourishment, harsh training schedules and vicious beatings by the circus staff. Frequently the girls would also be sexually assaulted.
Bold rescue teams were sent to confront the circus owners and use all legal means on the ground to secure freedom. This high-risk process led to the release of over 200 trafficking victims during the period 2003 - 2009. The youngest children who return from the circuses can mostly - and safely - be reunited with their parents and join school at an appropriate age.
For the older girls who might lack the academic ability or interest in joining formal education there is a skills training project to help them get back on their feet and gain an independent life, however, it has became evident that securing jobs for the returnees is virtually impossible due to the social stigma associated with being trafficked. So in 2005, instead of trying to secure outside employment for the girls the EBT, in conjunction with Hatti Trading (UK) set up a handbag production centre under Fair Trade conditions to provide a realistic economic alternative to being re-trafficked.
In June 2007, Hatti took on responsibility for the production centre and set up an independent private, but not for profit, company called Hatti Production Pvt Ltd. They still work in exactly the same way, providing training and jobs for young women rescued by The Esther Benjamins Trust and the charity is still close on hand to look out for the girls’ welfare, but the production centre is now an independent entity.
What wasn't anticipated at the time was the impact it would have on the girls who worked there; suddenly, they transitioned from being ‘charity cases’ to independent professional young women working for a foreign organisation. Their self esteem went through the roof; finally they could hold their head up high when asked what they do. At the same time there was a move to a new premises so the locals had no knowledge of what they had come from, and the girls could at last truly move on from their past.
Hatti started with 8 girls, there are now 17, plus Ritu, the Production Centre Manager, Shanti, the House Mother and two security guards. Some girls are now living with relatives locally and there has even been a wedding recently. The main difference now is that the girls are empowered to make their own choices and have the confidence to do so.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'G' is for Gifts
G is for Gifts. This Christmas why not start a new tradition and buy fair trade gifts for your family and friends? For hundreds of thousands of people, Fair Trade means the difference between a hand-to-mouth existence, and being able to plan for the future.
There are some misconceptions that buying fair trade means sacrificing quality. This is not the case. Fairly paid artisans take pride in their work. Goods are often handmade, which translates into closer attention to detail and in the end higher-quality products.
Fair Trade means fair wages, safe working conditions and long-term, stable business partnerships for disadvantaged artisans and producers. It also offers the comfort of knowing that there was no child labour involved in your purchase. Your purchase makes a difference.
At The Mission Marketplace, we offer beautiful Fair Trade certified gifts; arts and handcrafts from the world's artisans.
There are some misconceptions that buying fair trade means sacrificing quality. This is not the case. Fairly paid artisans take pride in their work. Goods are often handmade, which translates into closer attention to detail and in the end higher-quality products.
Fair Trade means fair wages, safe working conditions and long-term, stable business partnerships for disadvantaged artisans and producers. It also offers the comfort of knowing that there was no child labour involved in your purchase. Your purchase makes a difference.
At The Mission Marketplace, we offer beautiful Fair Trade certified gifts; arts and handcrafts from the world's artisans.
Friday, December 3, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - 'F' is for Fair Trade (Obviously) Weather (Not So Obvious)
Most Fair Trade producers live close to the land. They are either directly involved in farming fairtrade tea, coffee, bananas etc. or are subsistence farmers supplementing the family income with craft production. As such they are concerned about their environment and the land. Fair Trade actively encourages better environmental practices and the application of responsible methods of production. Revenue from Fair Trade cooperatives is used on a variety of community projects, including training of producers in organic and sustainable farming techniques (i.e. composting). Where possible fair trade premiums are invested in diversification. Cafe Direct and their project, Adaptation for Smallholders to Climate Change" (AdapCC), supports coffee and tea farmers in developing strategies to cope with the risks and impacts of climate change.
All Fairtrade certified producers are required to comply with the international Fairtrade environmental standard as part of the requirements of certification.8 The standard requires producers to ensure that they protect the natural environment and make environmental protection a part of farm management. Producers are also encouraged to minimize waste and the use of energy, especially energy from non-renewable sources.
There is the issue of transporting goods great distances so that well meaning consumers can make fair trade choices. Saving the planet is not solely about reducing carbon emissions. There are over one million people in Africa whose livelihoods depend on supplying fruit and vegetables to the world. Carbon Emissions from the Africa/British Isles trade route are a tiny portion of our worldwide total. Cutting off the income of this many people would cause devastation on a much greater scale than that caused by the emissions. Most Fair Trade goods are actually shipped and that would be the case with the majority of items we offer for sale Fair Trade stores.
We must focus on the basic facts; the poorest people in the world will be affected most by climate change and the poorest people in the world have done the least to cause climate change. They need a sustainable income if they are to make the investments necessary to help them overcome climate change.
Fair Trade creates a way to secure this income for the farmers. Unfortunately, the benefits of Fair Trade are not reaching all Fair Trade farmers because of insufficient demand for their crops. Producers sell an average of 20% of their crop at Fair Trade terms; the rest goes through the world market at much lower prices. The same story goes for artisans. Lower prices mean that farmers and their families, in poor countries, live in poverty with no prospect of investing for climate change.
All Fairtrade certified producers are required to comply with the international Fairtrade environmental standard as part of the requirements of certification.8 The standard requires producers to ensure that they protect the natural environment and make environmental protection a part of farm management. Producers are also encouraged to minimize waste and the use of energy, especially energy from non-renewable sources.
There is the issue of transporting goods great distances so that well meaning consumers can make fair trade choices. Saving the planet is not solely about reducing carbon emissions. There are over one million people in Africa whose livelihoods depend on supplying fruit and vegetables to the world. Carbon Emissions from the Africa/British Isles trade route are a tiny portion of our worldwide total. Cutting off the income of this many people would cause devastation on a much greater scale than that caused by the emissions. Most Fair Trade goods are actually shipped and that would be the case with the majority of items we offer for sale Fair Trade stores.
We must focus on the basic facts; the poorest people in the world will be affected most by climate change and the poorest people in the world have done the least to cause climate change. They need a sustainable income if they are to make the investments necessary to help them overcome climate change.
Fair Trade creates a way to secure this income for the farmers. Unfortunately, the benefits of Fair Trade are not reaching all Fair Trade farmers because of insufficient demand for their crops. Producers sell an average of 20% of their crop at Fair Trade terms; the rest goes through the world market at much lower prices. The same story goes for artisans. Lower prices mean that farmers and their families, in poor countries, live in poverty with no prospect of investing for climate change.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - E is for Eco-Friendly
The Eco-Friendly Bag in classic messenger style makes a great Christmas gift for the stylish man or woman in your life. In natural materials in this Eco Friendly is perfect for the urban man with lots of stuff. The incredible story of how these bags are produced in Ghana is worth reading:
Double layer of recycled water sachets (4 layers of plastic) and handles anchored lower into bag to provide durability for reusable market tote. Zip pocket on front and inside.
One of the biggest problems in Ghana is trash and pollution. If there were a main product that wholly symbolizes this issue, it would be drink sachets. Drink sachets are the most popular item to buy on the street and highway, and due to this fact, they also account for the majority of litter on the ground. This plastic material is chosen because it is easily accessible and hygienic, but it is far from being bio-degradable, and therefore, takes quite a toll when it is not disposed of properly. However, Trashy Bags has decided to take advantage of this durable material by using these discarded sachets to create purses, wallets, briefcases, etc. Items such as these have a much longer and useful life span than their sachet counterparts with which they are made of.
The main goals of Trashy Bags are not just fulfilling its popular purpose of "cleaning up Ghana," but also to inform the public about the issue with drink sachets. Every customer, contributor, employee, and business partner of Trashy Bags is educated about this problem in Ghana, what the organization is doing to counteract it, and how a single purchase can greatly contribute to these objectives.
In association with Global Mamas, Trashy Bags is constantly growing and expanding. By employing Ghanaians from all over the country, the organization has developed not only a strong team of workers, but a very dedicated one as well.
This is more than just a bag; it’s a lifeline for a forgotten community.
Double layer of recycled water sachets (4 layers of plastic) and handles anchored lower into bag to provide durability for reusable market tote. Zip pocket on front and inside.
One of the biggest problems in Ghana is trash and pollution. If there were a main product that wholly symbolizes this issue, it would be drink sachets. Drink sachets are the most popular item to buy on the street and highway, and due to this fact, they also account for the majority of litter on the ground. This plastic material is chosen because it is easily accessible and hygienic, but it is far from being bio-degradable, and therefore, takes quite a toll when it is not disposed of properly. However, Trashy Bags has decided to take advantage of this durable material by using these discarded sachets to create purses, wallets, briefcases, etc. Items such as these have a much longer and useful life span than their sachet counterparts with which they are made of.
The main goals of Trashy Bags are not just fulfilling its popular purpose of "cleaning up Ghana," but also to inform the public about the issue with drink sachets. Every customer, contributor, employee, and business partner of Trashy Bags is educated about this problem in Ghana, what the organization is doing to counteract it, and how a single purchase can greatly contribute to these objectives.
In association with Global Mamas, Trashy Bags is constantly growing and expanding. By employing Ghanaians from all over the country, the organization has developed not only a strong team of workers, but a very dedicated one as well.
This is more than just a bag; it’s a lifeline for a forgotten community.
A-Z of Shopping Fair Trade - D is for Dinnertime
Dinnertime, seriously, one of Kevin's favorite words.
Christmas dinner is a very important part of the family’s celebrations and wouldn’t it be nice to serve it on a fair trade table cloth?
Our Batik and Block Printed Table Linen are hand-woven and gives you all the table linen you need for a seasonal spread. Our full-size cotton tablecloths comes in differing sizes.
Some of our table linens are made by The Tamilnadu Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society. Co-optex was established in 1935 and is a state government organisation which co-ordinates the work and sales of thousands of handloom weavers in Tamil Nadu. It ensures that the weavers receive a fair price for their work.
They might also make a nice hostess gift.
Christmas dinner is a very important part of the family’s celebrations and wouldn’t it be nice to serve it on a fair trade table cloth?
Our Batik and Block Printed Table Linen are hand-woven and gives you all the table linen you need for a seasonal spread. Our full-size cotton tablecloths comes in differing sizes.
Some of our table linens are made by The Tamilnadu Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society. Co-optex was established in 1935 and is a state government organisation which co-ordinates the work and sales of thousands of handloom weavers in Tamil Nadu. It ensures that the weavers receive a fair price for their work.
They might also make a nice hostess gift.
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