Jul 25, 2011

Houston store sets out on a fair trade mission of styleBy Valeria TurturroHouston.CultureMap.com

With the rising consumer trend of knowing where products come from — like if that peach you’re eating was grown organically or if the chicken in your sandwich was raised free range — there is also a rising awareness in the world of interior design. Fabrics and furniture are being made from recycled materials and dyes that are better for the environment.

The people behind these products are shaping the fair trade movement.

Ten Thousand Villages is one of the oldest and largest fair trade organizations in the world and has had a store in Rice Village since 2010. Fair trade’s mission is simple, really: To help under- or unemployed artisans across the globe market their products and receive fair wages for their work. This allows them, their families and their communities to improve their lives, education, health and overall dignity.

In the process, Western consumers are able to make the purchase of a pillow or chair mean more than just adding a pretty object in their homes.

Fair trade’s mission is simple, really: To help under- or unemployed artisans across the globe market their products and receive fair wages for their work.

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