Fair Trade Blog

Climate change continues to wreck havoc, most recently in Pakistan and China. Having been through a couple of record floods myself, I have experienced the unique power of such disasters. There is no way to fight a flash flood, you can only try to get to higher ground. Even then it is sometimes impossible to get out of the way. 

Fair Trade has been affected in Pakistan.  A Fair Trade Labeling liaison officer in the Baltistan region of Gilgit reports that 52 people have died and a landslide in the Gizar area took 20 lives. The Gilgit area is home to a number of Fairtrade certified fruit farmers.

The long term damage is severe since the bridges on the only road through the region have been destroyed along with homes and businesses. 

Natural disasters, unfortunately, are on the rise.  Climate change is causing more flooding, drought, and severe tropical storms.  As the population in vulnerable areas continues to increase the impact continues to build. 

Many of these areas are the same areas where Fair Trade is not only needed but thriving.

I never imagined all the things that a seat belt could be after the life of the vehicle it’s in has ended. I was at a gathering recently where one of my creative friends showed us his new belt. Yes, it used to be a seat belt. We all loved the logic of his reuse.

That’s not the only thing you can do with an old seat belt.  Turns out you can make a nice handbag as well.   Conserve India, a recycling company in Dehli, uses a range of the city’s waste to make high fashion items like wallets, purses, and handbags.  They employ some of India’s most disadvantaged people and the profits from sales go back into the community to support education and other programs.

So, buckle up, for the high fashion ride! 

Keep shopping your good values!