Earth Divas
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Maybe I'm a sucker for a backstory of a small business with a big heart. Or, maybe a company that has the ability to change the lives of people who deserve a break, strikes a chord. Or, maybe beautiful products that are eco-friendly, handmade and fairly traded by women who don't have a lot of employment options, I just want to share the goodness. Either way, Earth Divas deserves the platform because these folks are helping others less fortunate, and they are making beautiful stuff.
The Backstory
Photo credit: Earth Diva
Earth Divas products are made by women who live in countries where there are few employment options for them. These women stay home, help on a farm, or work at the local factory for inadequate wages. Earth Divas goes into the rural areas of Nepal and India and gives women another option. They use the skills the women already possess, like knitting and sewing, and pay them fair wages to make beautiful products. Unskilled women are trained at a women's co-op that Earth Divas collaborates with.
"At Earth Divas fair trade is fundamental to everything we do. It is the basis of our business and our primary purpose for doing business. Our overall goal is to keep our expenses as low as we can, produce as many items as we can, and return all profits to the artisans that make our items."
The Ripple Effect
Photo credit: Earth Diva
Once these women are making a living wage, they can afford to feed their children more (and higher quality) food. They can afford more clothing and fuel to heat their homes. These women also benefit from the sense of empowerment and self-confidence that comes with earning as much, if not more, than their husbands.
The Frontstory
Photo credit: Earth Diva
I learned about Earth Diva from the informative blog, The Greenest Dollar. Writer, Heather Levin is getting the word out and supporting this company because:
"I don't often get to work with companies that I truly believe in, but I struck it lucky this time. This is a company whose values mirror my own, and probably yours as well. I believe that they're worthy of our support."
The Cycle of Goodness
Photo credit: Earth Diva
Earth Divas is not out to make a profit selling these fair trade products. Their goal is to turn a profit so they can give back. When they make a profit, they give it back to the artisans at the end of the year in the form of a bonus check. The owner doesn't take a salary. The more this little business grows, the more these artisans can earn at the end of the year. If it keeps growing, then they can hire more artisans to make bags and scarves. This means that more women will start earning a fair wage and the circle continues.
The Eco-Products
Photo credit: Earth Diva
The bags are made from hemp, recycled cotton or silk. The silk is from the waste cuttings in India where silk sari's are made. The women create the designs and make all the items. Interested? Check out Earth Divas and the Earth Divas Blog.
WATCH VIDEO: Why Is Fair Trade Important?
More Fair Trade:
GIrl Power: Support Female Artisans with these Fair Trade Shops
Fair Trade Not Just For Hipsters
Ask Summer Rayne: What Is Fair Trade Fashion
