Tagua Necklace from Ethnic Pride Marketing
What if people were using renewable resources or reclaimed resources to create beautiful and affordable pieces that would satisfy some of our shopping needs? What if a traditional craft in South America would be supported with the purchase here in the United States? What if they were GREEN and FAIR TRADE? Does it make the purchase more fun?
We hear a lot about our CARBON FOOTPRINT these days. But what about our SHOPPING QUOTIENT? What if we used our purchasing dollars more wisely? Supporting artisans who are not part of a sweatshop, artisans creating things out of discarded one-use items, that is a step toward creating Socially Responsible Retail.
Chopstick Basket from Kwytza
Chopsticks are a one-use items and an amazing number of them are discarded. In Oregon a clever young man, Brian Park, has found some wonderful uses for these reclaimed chopsticks. In addition to the handy and collapsible baskets, he has created the ziploc bag drying unit, soap dishes, lamps, and more.
Socially Responsible Retail doesn’t have to be limited to GREEN and FAIR TRADE. Some wonderful gift products are being placed on the market by non-profit groups trying to support an economy as well as developing their health care/social development work. This type of retail spreads the wealth around in an exponential way. Dr. John Morgan of Options for Children of Zambia (www.optionsforchildren.org) calls this type of retail “GIFT SQUARED” and means that in its exponential sense. For example, the purchase of TRIBAL TEXTILES supports the Zambian village of Mfuwe where they are made. The textiles are then sold in the United Stated where the money goes to Options for Children of Zambia. From that money and other donations, Options for Children of Zambia develops programs in cooperation with Zambian government and tribal interests. Building long term relationships and creating long term aid programs in rural Zambia can all be aided from redirected retail dollars.
Tribal Textiles "Pillow Cover" Hibiscus
Tribal Textiles"Dancing Ladies" wallhanging
We need to get past the “PAY LESS/ BUY MORE” philosophy and move on to “PAY A FAIR PRICE/ BUY WISELY”. That doesn’t mean everything is expensive. “Cheap” is a bad motive for purchase. We’ve had cheap food and cheap oil for many years because of unhealthy subsidies in those industries. Now we’re fat and experiencing a great oil tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re interested in purchasing socially responsible wares, contact us. We’d love to be of service.
Argentinium Silver and pearl bracelet by Mayapple Designs
Recycled racing tires/bike innertubes/hemp sandals by SPLAFF FLOPPS
handmade paper beads made into belt (Northern Uganda)
