Monday, July 16, 2007

Socially Conscious Holiday Gifts

As "green" continues to hit the mainstream, more and more holiday shoppers are expected to celebrate this holiday season with sustainable gifts; socially responsible, organic, union-made and Fair Trade products with a purpose. From Fair Trade clutch purses and reusable bamboo straws to silk cosmetic bags and wallets made of recycled soda cans, this holiday season the Global Exchange Online Fair Trade Store features handcrafted, socially conscious gifts that not only do good but look good. These "Fair Trade" certified gifts from around the world ensure that farmers and artisans are paid a living wage, that products aren't made using exploitative child labor, and that production techniques do not harm the environment.

The following are a few of our favorite new Fair Trade items that will be offered for the first time ever to U.S. consumers:

Product Name: Fair Trade Goodie Bag©Description: Introducing…the miracle tote bag. This stylish, floral drawstring bag offered in a variety of fresh, modern colors elegantly transforms into the perfect tote bag. Ideal for farmers markets or other large loads! Will be available for the first time ever to U.S. consumers in September 2007.Retail Price: $19.95

Product Name: Reusable Bamboo Party StrawsDescription: Set of twelve earth-friendly bamboo straws made in Laos. Keep disposable straws out of the landfills with this reusable, high quality version. Each set is presented in an all-natural dyed gift bag for convenient storage.Retail Price: $14.95

Product Name: Mr. Happy DollDescription: His body is made of terry cloth, his eyes, mouth and hands with Velcro. The result, he can smile, he can frown, he can even turn his eyes upside down. If you can dream it, he can do it! Discovered by Global Exchange buyers during a trip to Southeast Asia, this doll is the unique creation of a local Doll Maker in Chiang Mai, Thailand. 18" tall.Retail Price: $24.95

Product Name: Organic, Fair Trade Chocolate Gift BoxDescription: Introducing the ultimate collection of Certified Fair Trade, Organic assorted chocolate confections, presented in an elegant gift box with signature label. Each box includes a complimentary full-color postcard featuring information about Fair Trade. Various sizes offered.Price Range: $4.50-$18

Product Name: Silk Cosmetic Bags from Cambodia - Set of ThreeDescription: Offered in a set of three, each of these vibrant colored cosmetic bags from Gecko Traders comes as a set of three! All of the silk used is hand-dyed, hand-woven and produced by rural women's cooperative groups, making each piece of fabric authentically unique. Small 4" x 3" Medium 5" x 4" and Large 6" x 4"Price Range: $24

Product Name: Recycled Can WalletsDescription: Wallets made of recycled cans from Thailand. All the features a good wallet promises, plus the great feeling you get from recycling! Three designs to choose from.Price Range: $20

For more information on Global Exchange's Fair Trade holiday gifts please visit www.globalexchangestore.org. Global Exchange has four retail Fair Trade Stores: an Online Store and three brick & mortar locations (in San Francisco, Portland, and Berkeley).

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