SARASOTA, FLORIDA -- This Christmas season you'll undeniably hear the bells of the Salvation Army, see drives for Toys for Tots and hundreds of other opportunities to help those in need. But what if the Christmas presents you bought your friends and family could benefit people twofold? They can.
It's a movement called Fair Trade, and its presence is spreading across the US and the world, with over $2.6 billion in sales worldwide last year. Though fair trade accounts for only one percent of globally traded goods, this business model is going strong - and with good reason. Involved companies and organizations are providing world artisans with materials, business resources, and fair wages. Even better is their commitment to safe and healthy work environments for countless groups of disenfranchised women and other disadvantaged people, while bringing uniquely handmade goods to the marketplace.
"As we enter the 21st century, peace, prosperity, food and health for all seem more and more distant hopes for many of the poorest people on this planet. A key factor in addressing these issues is for all people - both business owners and consumers - to consider the impact of their daily decisions on other people around the world," says Don Blackowiak, co-founder of Lucuma Designs, a fair trade company based in Sarasota, FL. "Fair Trade may not solve all the problems of the world, but as part of a movement toward greater social conscious, it helps put human dignity, sustainability, and respect back into business."
In addition to good will, Fair Trade companies are bringing all kinds of goodies to the marketplace: toys, placemats, baskets, purses, furniture, coffees , finger puppets, ornaments, clothing, folkart like Arpillera art quilts and carved gourds, and even chapstick. There is a wonderful gift for everyone - literally.
So, maybe you're still wondering how these gifts give twice… well, the gifts you give this year can give back to the hands that made them. For ideas of creative and fair trade Christmas gifts visit www.lucuma.com, find online retailers at www.fairtradefederation.com or visit www.tenthousandvillages.com to find a store near you.
Lucuma Designs: Promoting art and design through fair trade
By guiding the creative process and empowering talented artists to go beyond the ordinary while developing opportunities for women and family workshops in Peru, Lucuma Designs brings you contemporary fine crafts and original folk art to inspire your imagination and brighten our world. For more information about Lucuma Designs and to see their products, visit http://www.lucuma.com or email sales@lucuma.com to find a store with their products near you.
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