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What Is Fair Trade?

We all know that buying fair trade items aids underprivileged communities across the world, but what exactly does this entail on the other side of the transaction? According to the basic standards enforced by the International Fair Trade Association, these organizations must:

PhotobucketGenerate opportunities that will help producers who suffer from an economic disadvantage.

PhotobucketExercise transparency and responsibility in areas of management and commercial affairs.

PhotobucketWork towards the independence of its producers….

Weaving in the Circle of the Sun

It takes the inhabitants of rural villages in Bolivian regions like Alto Plano or the Central Highlands two hours to walk to the nearest town. Because of this isolation, these people must rely on a craft that doesn’t require goods from distant urban areas. Fortunately, they have everything they need right at their fingertips.

These skilled artisans, members of the environmentally responsible organization Circle of the Sun, share the remote expanses with herds of Alpaca. The soft fur from these gentle mammals is the perfect material for weaving, as it is warmer than wool and hypoallergenic. Plus, with …

Ojon Oil Saves Your Hair and Costa Rica's Tropical Forests

I have thick, long, beautiful hair, and I favor natural, low-maintenance hair care. Generally, a little bit of coconut or olive oil rubbed into my damp hair is enough to keep it shiny, but not so after moving to the ultra-dry climate of Arizona. My hair was quickly becoming dry and brittle as the hot season progressed.

Then my friend Solana saved the day (don’t we always get the best things from our friends?). She was working at a natural cosmetic store and came to visit me with a delicious smelling container of …

24% of Groceries Get Trashed (and 8 Other Insanities)

There’s only one way to tackle the biggest obstacles – a tiny bit at a time. Every small contribution adds up. Here are eight challenges that face us today, and the seemingly small changes to our lifestyles (and so to ourselves) that could make a real difference.

THE FOOD WE EAT

Image: svadilfari

Food, water, shelter – the most basic requirements to sustain human life. Thanks to catastrophic global agflation, one of these is in widespread turmoil. Lack of food is causing

A Bag Habit Not to Break

We spout a lot of eco-hoopla about toxins and pollutants and recycling around EcoSalon, and my hope is that you’ve gotten the message, banned the plastic and bought an eco-bag instead. I hope you have decided to make the permanent switch from plastic to recycled and reusable.

And yes, we’ve done a zillion posts on a good number of eco-bags but I promise you, we do discriminate. The Bag the Habit bag caught my eye because it’s inexpensive and would make a great stocking stuffer or simple go-green hostess gift during the holiday party …

Jhonson Augustin: From Apprentice to Master Artisan

When Jhonson Augustin’s father left Haiti, his mother took on the full responsibility of caring for and supporting her 11 children. Aware of his family’s financial strain, Augustin began learning the art of cut metal work as a child. Once he finished school, this determined individual went on to study under the locally renowned artist Serge Jolimeau. After proving that his skill matched that of his teacher, Augustin assumed the role of master artisan, helping underprivileged youths in Haiti pursue this craft.

“Cut metal work represents the wealth of Croix …

Mahaguthi: Crafting Towards Social Reform

With over 1,000 artisans under its wing in 150 workshops around the globe today, it’s hard to believe that Mahaguthi’s Craft With a Conscience began with one man’s determination to help those in need.

Born to a middle class family in Nepal in 1896, Tulsi Mehar was never afraid to speak his mind, openly protesting the oppression of the caste system. The Rana Prime Minister considered these sentiments anti-national and banished Mehar from Nepal for life.

Discouraged but never defeated, he traveled to India, where he joined Mahatma Gandhi in the quest …

Killing with Keystrokes

People use eBay to sell more than just Juicy Couture and used plasmas – you can also find elephant ivory products and endangered animals. This fact was highlighted recently following a six-week investigation by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). The investigation, tracking more than 7,000 wildlife products listings on 183 websites in 11 countries, discovered that
eBay was responsible for two-thirds of the online trade in wildlife
animal products worldwide.

And of the over 4000 elephant ivory listings uncovered by the investigation, most of …

Assisi: Helping Disadvantaged Women Find Their Niche

When disabled daughters of India are deemed unfit for marriage, many are condemned to a life of suffering. Unable to support themselves, they struggle to survive in a culture that does not accept their differences. In 1994, a group of Franciscan nuns founded Assisi Garments to help these women find their place. In this supportive atmosphere, they are trained to produce clothing from organic cotton, compensated for their efforts with fair wages, and given food, accommodation and, most importantly, encouragement. After five years of hard work, these gifted artisans are granted a lump sum to start …

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