Shopping for family and friends can be challenging during the holiday season, and it's easy to hit the mall for "good" deals. But often these seemingly cheap prices come at a much greater, unseen cost.
Items made in a cheap manner are usually created at the expense of the maker. While modern quick-fix items may not be made in the sweatshop idea that surfaces, they exploit workers and their families by not providing proper compensation.
Most companies publish production standards on their websites, explaining zero-tolerance policies against human trafficking and abuse; but without strict oversight of these processes, errors are made.
Here are eight places you can proudly spend money this holiday season.
1) Cambio Market: Empowers artisans from around the world to create bags, accessories and greeting cards. 20% of every purchase made through November 30 will be donated to Lifeline Syria, an organization that aids Syrian refugees in Toronto, Canada. Visit https://www.cambio.market/ to shop and learn more.
2) The Root Collective: Employs people in impoverished and gang-ridden places in Guatemala through shoe making. Search the hashtag #ottomademyshoes on Instagram for stories about the shoemaker, Otto, and consumers who have been changed by his work. Visit www.therootcollective.com to shop and learn more.
3) Noonday Collection: Sells jewelry fashioned from seeds, paper and bullets, made by people in places like India, Vietnam and Ethiopia. Profits go towards rebuilding and strengthening communities through providing food, water and education. Visit www.noondaycollection.com to shop and learn more.
4) Purse for the People: Employs artisans in the United States to create unique, handcrafted, eco-friendly rattan purses. The company partners with organizations like the Rainforest Alliance to ensure sustainable business practices. Visit https://purseforthepeople.com/ to shop and learn more.
5) Ten Thousand Villages: Seeks to employ disadvantaged artisans in over 30 developing countries. The non-profit organization sells crafts, household items and women's fashion on behalf of these artisans. Visit http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/ to shop and learn more.
6) American Nomad: Works with co-ops and artisans that produce authentic, handmade home goods, purses and accessories. These creators invest in their communities to tackle issues like poverty, education and human trafficking. Visit https://shopamericannomad.com/ to shop and learn more.
7) Sseko Designs: Provides jobs to women in East Africa, which allow them to get a college education and grow their economies. These women make leather footwear, bags and accessories. Visit https://ssekodesigns.com/ to shop and learn more.
8) PURPOSE Jewelry: Employs survivors of sex-trafficking and provides them with health care, education and counseling. The organization works with women from Mumbai, India and Orange County, California. Visit http://www.purposejewelry.org/ to shop and learn more.
There are many more companies and organizations that are implementing ethical and fair-trade practices into their production processes. Do your research. When you purchase from these places, you will spend more. But you will have peace of mind
knowing that your purchase directly impacts someone for the better. I
promise it's worth it!
