Why do we love Gone Rural so much here are Global Goods Partners? Well, many reasons of course. The organization employs 700 women in Swaziland, helps alleviate poverty in rural communities through fair trade practices, and runs HIV/AIDS support and women's literacy programs in the communities they work in. As if I had to add more! But there is another fantastic reason we just love Gone Rural - every aspect of the craft production is sustainable and eco-friendly! First, when the wiry Lutindzi grass used to make products is harvested, the women carefully leave the roots in the soil to ensure the regrowth of grass for the following year. This technique alleviates an unnecessary burden on local natural resources. Second, Gone Rural employs women which creates sustainable livelihoods for them and their families. Most of these women care for an average of 8 children and 80% rely on Gone Rural as their sole income. Third, to color their products, Gone Rural only uses dyes that meet strict eco requirements. Their supplier of 20 years, Dystar, specializes in low-impact dyes and partners with organizations that put sustainability at the center of their business model. These eco-friendly dyes don't just reduce environmental impact, they're also the safest choice on the market for the women to use. There is more than meets the eye with these Gone Rural products. Yes, they are gorgeous, but they also give back to communities and don't take away from the environment.

Last year we told you about the inspiring work of high school student, Phoebe Kimmelman.  Phoebe sold sets of Global Goods Partners’ fair trade lacquered bangles from India to raise funds for portable DVD players for patients being treated at the Mount Sinai Dubin Breast Center.  But Phoebe didn’t stop there:  she also convinced Warner Brothers Studios to donate a DVD library for her cause. Phoebe’s fundraising efforts earned her a Congressional Certificate of Recognition from District Representative Gracey Stoddard to honor her work.  Her award commemorates her "dedication to public service and her outstanding philanthropic work improving patient care and quality of life in Mt. Sinai's Dubin Breast Center and Weiner Family Palliative Care Unit."   [caption id="attachment_2971" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Pictured, from left to right: Dr. Charles Kimmelman; Mrs. Mikey Kimmelman; Gracey Stoddard, District Representative; Phoebe Kimmelman; Dr. Gabrielle Goldberg; and Dr. George Raptis[/caption]   Since then, Phoebe has continued her work and has now reached her goal of raising enough money to purchase the DVD players.  On September 4, 2012 she donated the DVD players and video library to Mt. Sinai Hospital’s Child Life Program.  Because of Phoebe’s efforts, children’s hospital stays are much brighter.  Movies viewed on the DVD players comfort children during their visits to outpatient hematology, the oncology clinic, and the emergency room. [caption id="attachment_2973" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Phoebe sold GGP's Two-Tone Bangles from India found here: https://www.globalgoodspartners.org/cart/Details.cfm?ProdID=491&category=0[/caption] GGP is so proud of Phoebe, and we hope she inspires you to change people’s lives in your community and abroad.   Have your own fair trade cause?  Email us at info@globalgoodspartners.org for fundraising collaborations!