Today is
World Fair Trade Day
and, in light of the Bangladesh garment factory tragedy, it's more
important than ever to show your support for fair trade businesses. Here
are five simple ways to celebrate.
#1 Find a local event
The Fair Trade Resource Network has a comprehensive list of
local events throughout North America. Find one near you and show your support!
#2 Wear Fair Trade Fashion
As a member of the
Fair Trade Federation,
Andean Collection is part of a vibrant community of ethical fashion
designers who are committed to fair trade practices and transparency.
You can find a comprehensive list
here, but these are just a
few of our favorites.
Mushmina
Sisters, Heather and Katie O'Neill, started Mushmina while living and traveling across Morocco and Mali.
They
know employ over 75 artisans and have a storefront in Philadelphia, as
well as an online shop. We admire their passion, their aesthetics and
commitment to fair trade. They also have some pretty sweet home goods.
Mata Traders
Maureen
Dunn started Mata Traders with her best friends Joni Bookheim and
Michelle King during an around the world trip. Like Andean Collection,
Mata Traders is inspired by travel and the principles of fair trade.
Their clothing and accessories are made by artisans in India and Nepal. I
love their brightly patterned fabrics, plus, it's affordable!
Raven + Lily
Once
again, a beautiful friendship produced a beautiful line of ethical
accessories and clothing. Friends Kirsten Dickerson and Sophia Lin
founded Raven + Lily as a way to economically empower women across the
globe. They have lines from Ethiopia, Morocco, India, Cambodia and even
the USA.
Sseko Designs
A
fair trade sandal company based in Uganda, Sseko Designs supports
hundreds of female artisans, their families and the community. Good
news, they now have a line of handbags too!
Andean Collection
As the founder and CEO of Andean Collection, I make sure to design pieces that I would wear. And I do, pretty much every day.
#3 Learn more!
Do you know what the ten principals of fair trade are? If not, visit
The World Fair Trade Organization website. Discover the origins of the fair trade movement and why it matters.
#4 Show support
Most
fair trade companies have either one, or all, of the following:
facebook, twitter, pinterest, blog. Follow the companies you love, and
tell them you love them! It's amazing how far a little support can go.
#5 Spread the word
OK,
here's your mission. Tell just TWO of your friends about fair trade
fashion and why you support it. We won't mind if you tell them Andean
Collection sent ya!