[Gopez High] Rach: Creative Beading – by Akaya on Polyvore.com

Eco Friendly – by Plasticmakesperfect on Polyvore.com

Little Star - Fair Trade Eco Recycled Handbag

These handbags and beach bags are made by women who live in the slums areas of Chennai India. Many of these women are widows or have been abandoned by their husbands and many have children in their care.

The objective of the fair trade organisation is to support these women economically and socially to ensure that they are self sustainable and self confident. The fair trade organsation also provides vocational training and education facilities for young slum dwellers, in particular young girls and drop out children.

The bags that these women weave are both ethically produced and ecological. They are made with polypropylene strands which are derived from recycled plastic bags. The bags are weaved with brightly coloured recycled plastic bag strands resulting in beautiful bags perfect for everyday or the beach.

Beach Bag - Fair Trade Eco Recycled Bag

The women who weave the bags are paid a fair wage, up to double that of the market price, ensuring that they earn at least $2 a day. Yes, $2 a day, for us in the western world this seems unbelievably low. You may be surprised to learn that in India, 30% of its citizens live on less than $1/day.

The bags will be available for custom order now until February 20th, 2009. Delivery will be in March, in plenty of time for spring/summer fashion.

Big Star - Fair Trade Eco Recycled Bag

To order, one of these custom made in your colour preference click here:
Fair Trade Eco Recycled Bags

The bags are available in 5 different styles and many bright colour combinations.

Little Bo Peep - Fair Trade Eco Recycled Handbag