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