What’s New At The Fair Trader!

On of the things we like about Fair Trade artisans is their concern for the environment. We are constantly amazed and delighted by the inventive uses of recycled materials. A great example of this are the flip-flops that wash up on the eastern coast of Africa by the thousands, brought there by the ocean currents from Indonesia.   Clever Fair Trade artists have begun collecting them to use them in jewelry, sculptures and myriad other items. We also have a number of recycled glass items; beautiful wall vases and candle holders are just a few examples. 
What can be done with old magazines? Some of our artists create beads for jewelry, while others make fabulous decorative bowls and trays from them.

Recycled sari silk from silk factory throwaways are spun and then woven, knitted or crocheted into pieces for jackets, bags, and table linens. The colors are glorious and brilliant. When it comes to oil drums, our artists make beautiful sculptures and light switch covers from them. Tin cans? Many of them are turned into the most enchanting animal sculptures you have ever seen; think geckos with banjos. Jackets and purses are made from vintage hand embroidered Guatemalan huipiles, the traditional woman’s blouses, and they are very colorful.

We also have woven baskets that are made from replaceable grasses, pine needles, and other plants. Our fragrant scented candles are housed in Brazil nut shells. Plastic juice and water bags that are scattered all over the landscape in the Philippines become colorful tote bags in the hands of Fair Trade artisans. 

Here at The Fair Trader we carry Mr. Ellie Pooh paper products that are made from elephant dung and rice paddies. From these components he creates some of the cutest cards, notebooks, and desk accessories you have ever seen.

Lastly, we are delighted to be a source for To-Go-Ware utensil sets. They are bamboo eating utensil sets which include a knife, fork, spoon, and chopsticks that are rolled up into a Fair Trade embroidered cover. No more plastic utensils!  We are truly concerned about the environment and so are Fair Trade artists. Visit our site often to see what we are working on to make the world greener.