This season, as students return to their classrooms, be on the look-out for products that empower the less advantaged throughout the world. As demand for fair trade continues to pick up speed, the Global Exchange Fair Trade Online Store offers a wide range of handcrafted, socially conscious items.
From handcrafted backpacks to eco-friendly hoodies, these socially responsible, organic, and fair trade products ensure that artisans are paid a living wage, that products aren't made using exploitative child labor, and the production techniques do not harm the environment. The Global Exchange Fair Trade Online Store features items from more than 100 artisan groups in over 40 countries. This fall shop confident that the products you choose are all sweatshop and child-labor free.
FOR THE LITTLE ONES:
Kid's Backpack
This handcrafted backpack is made by members of the Lisu tribe. This colorful ethnic group resides in the mountains of China, Burma, and northern Thailand. Making this product helps support some of the 22,000 members tribe. $19.95
"My Worries" Notepad
There is a story that when the Mayan Indians of Guatemala have worries they tell them to the Worry People who take the worries away. So write your thoughts or worries in this book and it will help take your worries away. Each "My Worries" Pad comes adorned with seven worry people and a pencil. $9.00
COLLEGE KIDS GEAR
Rwandan Laptop Sleeve Our New Favorite Item! See above
Rwandan Laptop Sleeve is vibrant, quilted and offers padded protection for your laptop. Secured with a large fabric-covered button closure and available in the classic Rwandan fabric known as "wheat flower" -- simple flowers and leaves in warm tones of orange and navy with ruby highlights, swaying against a background of soft wheat- the inside is lined in navy blue.
The women of the INEZA cooperative, who are survivors of genocidal rape in Rwanda, are speaking to the power of their communities and working towards a better future. INEZA was founded by WE-ACTX to develop a sustainable source of income for women on HIV treatment. $45.00
Retro Airline Bag
Travel in style with your Lisu Retro Airline Bag. Traditional Lisu Tribe stripe design mixed with a little retro flare makes this a unique messenger style bag. Making this product helps some of the 22,000 member tribe of China, Burma, and northern Thailand to be self-sufficient without participating in the major industry of the region -- poppy/opium cultivation. 13 ½" x 9". $32.00
The Ultimate Laundry Bag
Messenger style laundry bag built for practicality and a smooth ride (to the laundromat.) Made in Seattle, WA by members of a sewing co-operative of highly skilled Cambodian-Americans. $39.00
Inside zippered pocket (perfect for quarters) Large outer pocket (perfect for laundry detergent) Cell phone holder on side strap (for easy access) and machine washable!
Silk Organizer and Journal
Silk organizer is handwoven by members of Ock Pop Tok, a silk weaving cooperative in the small town of Luang Prabang, Laos. Ock Pop Tok is Lao for East Meets West, and is a Fair Trade business working to promote traditional Lao and modern textile designs abroad and to provide sustainable employment to rural residents through the production and marketing of these beautiful, high quality textiles. $42.00
Organic Cotton Hoodie
These eco-friendly hoodies are eco-dyed and handwoven. Comes with a drawstring hood, buttoned collar, and a front pouch pocket. Brought to you by Kopnoi, a Fair Trade business located in Luang Prabang, Laos. Natural Dyes. Buttons made of coconut shell. 100% Organic Cotton. $85
Global Exchange has four retail Fair Trade Stores: an Online Store at www.globalexchangestore.org and three brick & mortar locations (in San Francisco, Portland, and Berkeley).
