gigipedrazam's story links

After years of refusing to accept the offers of these chains, the Government of Cuzco finally approved the opening of their stores in the Main Square! It was a sad day for many Peruvians....

From a 30 years old sustainable German company coming to the US market to a Childcare organization in Uganda, more and more options are available to the conscious consumer when shopping.

Mexico was the first Latinamerican Country to jump into the Fair Trade wagon but soon after, Guatemala, Peru and others follow the example, allowing us to now buy fantastic products while supporting local and sustainable economies in the Third World.

Sustainable and Green Ideas for Mother's Day

Take the opportunity to celebrate Fair Trade with your mother by buying her a bouquet of beautiful Fair Trade Certified roses, Fair Trade Chocolate or why not? A Fair Trade Handbag. Fair Trade Products are already making a difference for women and mothers around the world and your purchase means not just fair wages, but increased employee benefits including extended maternity leave and help with childcare.

A new fair trade project that just like http://www.incakids.org is self funded and strives to lift from poverty unprivileged artisans in South America.   These projects are for-profit ventures benefiting the poorest artisans in developing countries, providing them with an opportunity to get a sustainable employment and wage.

These entrepreneurs measure their gains not only in financial profit but also in the impact there are having in their communities or society in general.   Their ventures are a hybrid between non-profit and for profit businesses

Fair Trade Toys are not only educational and creative; they are also safe and unique.  Most of them are handmade and use natural materials just because that what is available for small craftsmen in developing countries.

Geotourism is the type of tourism that not only sustains and preservers the environment, but is also committed to respecting cultural sensitivities and building on local heritage. Geotourism enhances the geographical character of a place and community involvement is essential.

When Gigi sent me the set of 5 finger puppets shown here though, I was blown away...$11.00? That's it? These are hand knitted finger puppets (the penguin is my favorite) intricately detailed and perfect for storytelling.

Yes, there are many great things about the Free Trade Agreements the US is working on but there is also the other side of the coin. Take the case of the Peruvian cotton farmers, with 28,000 growers and their families at risk of loosing their only way to sustain themselves.

Peruvian artisans have now an outlet to sell their products in the US with the creation of the fair trade online store "Inca Kids" .

The products offered are all handmade and made to order in unprivileged communities.  Most of the products are 100% Alpaca wool or 100% Peruvian Cotton with natural and ecological dyes.