Sustainability is more than just the environmental aspect; it also encompasses social and economical development. It is a philosophy that merges these three to a point where there is not only synergy but something very powerful and empowering. Many successful examples are non-profit organizations that work with underprivileged or impoverished communities to develop their ancient crafts made with local renewable materials and by selling items at a fair price, paying workers fairly, and providing a clean and safe work environment, thus building strong communities. See a few examples below:
Shown above the jump, from left to right:
1. Hope for Women sell beautiful and unique items that are fair trade, eco-friendly and handmade by economically disadvantage women worldwide. Through this powerful organization, they work in clean and safe environments and are able to take control of their lives and futures.
2. Turquoise Mountain was established to restore Afghanistan’s former beauty, to keep its famous craft skills alive and to restore a sense of pride in Afghanistan’s culture. Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world and devastated by war, and it is largely dependent on the narcotics trade.
3. One Thread Fair Trade works with communities of marginalized female artisans worldwide who create stunning hand-crafted home accessories. Their work enables battered and impoverished women to become self-sufficient and improve the quality of life for them and their children.
4. Alpha Workshops, in NYC, is the only non-profit in the USA that trains and employs people living with HIV/AIDS in decorative arts. They offer a flexible and supportive workplace responsive to the medical, financial and emotional needs of people living with a chronic illness.
5. GoodWeave helps to combat the problem of 250,000 children exploited in the handmade carpet industry. They offer certification for rugs that are child-labor-free and provide education and opportunities to rescued and at-risk children.
Thanks, Rachel!
Gone Rural in Swaziland, a non-profit company. Create home-based work over 700 rural women, allowing them to sustain traditional values and care for their children and dependents. Support the producers, their children and communities through extensive health and education programmes.
I adore all products, tasty and chic.
www.goneruralswazi.com
view thecatsnotebook's profile
Bead for life teaches women in Uganda how to make beautiful jewelry with recycled paper. Women around the world host bead parties that friends and family attend. The money they raise goes right back to the beaders and their families. I've got several necklaces, and a friend has gone to Africa to visit their village. The goal is to have each woman own her own business or otherwise be self sufficient in 18 months. They provide entrepreneurial training and loans. It's a truly awesome program.
http://www.beadforlife.org/indexS.html
view Robynthegeek's profile
thank cambria and re-nest for sharing my post! and thanks for the 2 comments so far with additional sources on this subject. i'm thrilled that i can be a part of and help generate discussion about such beautiful eco home accessories with such captivating stories.
view eTTa designs's profile
thanks to thecatsnotebook for your comment - i love gone rural and only discovered them thanks to you because of this wonderful re-nest community! i posted a photo from the luxury collection (highlighting how handmade artisan crafts have a place in the luxury marketplace) with info about it at http://www.facebook.com/eTTadesigns. and thanks robynthegeek for your comment too! i love that colorful jewelry and the organization behind bead for life!
view eTTa designs's profile
Great post. I know myself and others who have had problems finding good local artisans. To know they are doing valuable work for the community as well is such an added plus. Search engines are always dominated by large companies, I often hoped that there could be some regional websites set up to advertise only local artists and craftspeople, I think a lot of people would find that valuable.
view Peter Bennett's profile
Check out NH-based Rubia. www.rubiahandwork.org Local artists and artisans create luscious furnishings, apparel accessories using textiles with traditional embroidery by Afghan women. Thanks re-nest for spreading the word.
view Gayle Force's profile