Make Change From Your Dollar

I have never been on a hunger strike, joined a sit-in, or lobbied in Washington for the liberation of Tibet. But I am changing my world. How? It’s simple. Fair Trade

As a consumer, I have purchasing power. I choose where I spend my hard earned dollars. So why not harness that power and make an impact in another community? Have you ever heard of the saying, “A rising tide lifts all boats”? That’s how I like to think of fair trade. In opposition to systems in place which keep producers in marginalized communities down, fair trade practices ensure that workers are compensated fairly, profits are reinvested back into communities and production adheres to strict environmental standards. The benefits are truly all encompassing. By making small changes in my consuming habits, I can add my bit to raise the tide for all of us. Companies that offer fantastic fair trade finds are sprouting up as more consumers are demanding trading transparency. I want to know that my money is not getting sucked into the black hole of antiquated trading practices, but instead positively impacting communities where my goods are produced. So it’s never been easier to be a conscious consumer. These days we don’t have to sacrifice quality to see that fair trade logo attached our favorite products. We can dress and accessorize stylishly with sustainable fashion and enjoy delicious fairly trade coffee, chocolate and wine!

So you don’t have to chain yourself to a tree or power your car with vegetable oil to make a difference.  By thinking more about the purchases you make and the origins of the products you use, you can be the change you want to see in the world. It's simple. It's effective. Fair Trade.

Don’t let the traditional art of block printing get stamped out!

Block Printing is the art of applying color and pattern to fabric using hand-carved wooden blocks. It is a process that gone unchanged for nearly 5,000 years in Northwest India. The fabrics produced from this process are so expertly created that they can be confused with mass-produced machine dyed fabrics. However, the beauty of these hand-blocked prints cannot be replicated, for each piece is an original work of art and distinctly unique.

As its name implies, the whole process starts with carving the blocks. Artisans from the Chippas caste carve Shesham wood with a chisel and hammer into the intricately designed stamps.  Each block has a handle and two to three cylindrical holes, which printers will eventually use as placement guidelines when moving the blocks across the fabric. The blocks are then soaked in olive oil to prepare the wood to absorb natural dyes, which have been expertly mixed by artisans of the Neelgars caste. The art of mixing dyes in the perfect ratios to produce the vibrant colors seen in most block prints is passed down a family for generations in this caste. Next, the printing begins! Dye is applied to the block and with a firm stamp the first print is made. Each color in the design is applied by different blocks AND different printers. Teamwork is required as the printers stamp out the design in tandem, alternating between laying the outline and filling the stamps with a desired color. An intricate design may need up to 3,000 stamps to be completed.                                               Once the piece has been completely stamped, it is treated through a series of steps to fix the dyes and intensify the colors.  The fabric is put out to dry, rolled in newspaper and steamed, washed, then dried once more before it is completely finished. This ancient art is beautiful and unique to India’s vibrant culture.  The scarves we carry help in both reviving this ancient handicraft and providing jobs for survivors of sex trafficking in Kolkata. These scarves are truly a wearable piece of art.

**Photo Credits: beautifulabodes.blogspot.com; Mata Traders; Destiny Reflection

At Global Goods Partners, we are passionate about traveling.

 So why do we love working here?

We get to mix business with pleasure! 

Tanya on a family trip to Pakistan

Kelly checking out textiles in India

Ella working a hand-loom in Guatemala

Julia spinning yarn in Kenya

Head to our website to find products from all of these amazing destinations!

Women are paid 30-40% less than men for comparable work.

Can Fair Trade improve the status of women?

By its very definition, fair trade practices "contribute to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to and securing the rights of marginalized workers" – 70% of these workers are women. Therefore, as the fair trade movement gains momentum, the status of women will improve and this current gender wage gap will dissipate. The issue of gender inequality is one that first-world and developing nations face alike.  The gap between men and women in education, economy, and political empowerment is closing but at a rate that is far too slow. The Fair Trade movement is in motion in many countries, and the momentum generated by this catalyst is helping to rectify the gender wage gap disparity. Our artisan partner in Nepal, Friends Handicrafts, provides employment for Nepali women and sustains the ancient technique of felting. They use this method to create unique and vibrantly colored necklaces, bags, scarves, and children’s gifts. Based in Kathmandu, Nepal, Friends Handicraft's mission is to combat urban poverty. It supports skills-training and income-generation programs for 80 female heads-of-households living in and around the capital and provides access to education for their children, fostering a sense of independence in an otherwise marginalized population. These women are able to use their creativity and build upon traditional techniques to earn a living. The ability to contribute economically increases self-esteem and helps these women find their voice in both the household and the community. Also, most of the leadership positions in international fair trade co-ops are help by women. Seeing women in these positions will help dislodge social norms that have previously held women back from positions of power in the community. Co-ops like Friends Handicrafts that employ fair trade practices pave the way for more participation by women in economic, social and political affairs and ultimately increase of status of women globally. Global Goods Partners is proud to be a member of the Fair Trade Federation – an organization whose core values aim to empower women. *Fair Trade definition from the World Fair Trade Organization

The GGP fashionistas showcase their

favorite fair trade accessories!

Marketing Intern, Kelly, in her Bottle Top Tassel and Clay Earrings made in Swaziland!

Operations Director, Sara, sporting Double Square Beaded Earrings from Tanzania, a Silk Scarf from Cambodia, and a Floral Print Bracelet from Pakistan!

Operations Intern, Julia, dawning a Silk Knotten Necklace from Cambodia, and African Beaded Bangles from South Africa!

Executive Director, Jennifer, rocking a Bold Bangle from India, a Felt Round Red Flower Pin from Nepal, and Seed Bead Earrings from Tanzania!

Social Media Intern, Tanya, in a Tie-Dye Scarf from Cambodia, Fabric Wrapped Bangles from Pakistan, and a Neon Silver Beaded Wrap Bracelet from Guatemala!

And our littlest GGPer, Eve, in her Baby Bunny Hat from Bolivia!