It’s Fair Trade Friday!

I can’t get enough of creative recycled products. Now more than ever it seems like there’s a vast amount being created every day, and when it comes to fair trade ones, you just can’t go wrong.

Here’s a few more I just love that I want to share…

Recycled Can Wallets
One of these would make a great gift for the man in your life. (Don’t forget Father’s Day is just a few weeks away.) It’s hip, one-of-a-kind, and would ensure he always has an excellent conversation piece on hand.
Purchased during a Global Exchange direct buying trip to Thailand, these wallets were made by a young couple living in Chiang Mai. Each one is handmade from local cans in the region. Sales directly contribute to their livelihood and improved standard of living. Choose from Thai Coca-Cola can, Singha beer, or Chang beer. ($20.00 each from GlobalExchange.com)

The Global Exchange Online Store also carries these great messenger bags- which I think would make awesome diaper bags. They’re handmade in Cambodia out of extremely durable feed bags and lined in cotton. Each bag features one main zippered compartment,2 smaller zippered compartments, a key ring, pen holders, and an adjustable cotton strap. It’sl arge enough to carry a laptop, books, the contents of your purse, or even a passel of kid supplies.

And don’t forget the most important feature of the bags- they’re fair trade. These particular bags were introduced to the U.S. through a Fair Trade business that employs landmine victims and polio afflicted women in Cambodia. Remember every purchase helps them earn a fair wage and make a living creating these products. ($49.95 each.)

Another great recycled gem made by the same Cambodian women’s group are their cell phone holders. Called “practically perfect cell phone holders”, they’re also made from recycled feed bags, lined with durable cotton, and have a velcro closure. Each holder has a snap piece that can be attached to any belt, bag, or purse, and obviously is one of a kind, since no two come out exactly the same. ($18.95 each.)

All items available at the Global Exchange Online Store. Recycled gift wrapping is also offered for $3.95. A free gift card accompanies each item that tells about it’s origin and unique story.

Happy Mother’s Day! Today is a good day to pay homage to the ultimate mother: Mother Earth. These onesies are 100% organic cotton, sweatshop-free, and emblazoned with water-based inks. Encircling the planet are the words “Love Your Mama.” Very appropriate any day of the year!

Love Your Mama - Onesie $20.00

It’s Fair Trade Friday!

Tomorrow, May 10th, is World Fair Trade Day. It’s the first global campaign for the fair trade movement, connecting producers, businesses, and customers from around the world. At Noon Pacific time, 3pm Eastern, there is going to be a Fair Trade Coffee Break when people across the country take a break to enjoy a cup of fair trade coffee (or other fair trade beverages). The Fair Trade Resource Network, along with the Fair Trade Federation and many other great organizations, are hosting this to set a world record and bring awareness and solidarity to the fair trade movement while celebrating those who produce the things we buy.

Want to take part? Visit the World Fair Trade Day Events Calendar to find coffee breaks and other events in your area.

Get your own fair trade coffee from the Global Exchange’s Coffee Shop. In honor of WFTD, they’re offering a $10 coupon to customers with a $50 purchase (which is easy to spend once you start looking around their store!)  While you’re there check out their campaign to promote fair trade coffee and social justice by increasing consumer demand. Good stuff!

Recycled bags are a great choice for the “green” mom. This bag is made of recycled plastic bags from the streets of New Delhi using a non-toxic process. Not only is the bag a great eco-choice, but the bags provide an income for the local New Delhi women who make them! World of Good will also donate 10% of their profit to a non-profit organization that improves living conditions for the local artesians who create these great bags. It’s a win-win purchase!

$24.95 at Amazon

The World Food Programme Feed bag is another great choice. The purchase of one Feed bag feeds a child in school for one complete year. Not only does this give underprivileged children the nutrition so badly needed, but it also keeps them in school longer and increases their quality of life….for a lifetime. For more information on the World Food Programme, go here.

The bag itself is made of burlap and cotton, is reversible and was inspired by the bags of food distributed by the United Nations around the world. A very hip way to contribute to those less fortunate than ourselves in this world….something any mom would approve of.

$59.95 at Amazon

It’s Fair Trade Friday…

For centuries the Chinese have been using “Jing Gardens” as a method of achieving inner peace and tranquility. Jing is considered to be “a freely available, universal source of energy that is capable of unleashing an overwhelming sense of relaxation.” Boy, that sure sounds nice… And who deserves that more than a mom?
I think these gardens-in-a-can are so cute, and would make a great alternative to expensive cut flowers for Mother’s Day this year. After all, Mom gets to watch them grow, they won’t die within the week, and who knows… they might just come through on that relaxation promise. It’s worth a shot, right? (Might want to get one for yourself while you’re at it!)
Your choice of: Colorful Chili (Fortune Flower), Sunflower (Joy Flower), or Vinca Rosea (Essential Flower).

$11.50 each from GlobalExchange.com