People Tree

People Tree might pop-up in a lot of posts today all around the web, as it's Blog Action Day. Anyway, I didn't know about this shop till I was looking around on the web a few minutes ago for a cool fair trade shop to post about. Found this one, I think its worth a look as they sell some simple, yet very nice t-shirts, and other clothing items. And it's fair trade, so, not only are they nice items, they will also be good for your karma :p

Here's People Tree's mission statement:

* To support producer partners' efforts towards economic independence and control over their environment and to challenge the power structures that undermine their rights to a livelihood.
* To protect the environment and use natural resources sustainably throughout our trading and to promote environmentally responsible lifestyles and environmental initiatives to create new models to promote sustainability.
* To supply customers with good quality products, with friendly and efficient service and build awareness to empower consumers and producers to participate in Fair Trade and environmentally sustainable solutions.
* To provide a supportive environment to all stakeholders and promote dialogue and understanding between them.
* To set an example to business and the government of a Fair Trade model of business based on partnership, people-centred values and sustainability.

If you know any other worthy fair trade shops, let me know.

Benetton: Africa Works

This is a website that helps you understand the impact and importance that micro-credit has for people in Africa. Behind the program is famous Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour.

In the words of Staci Smith who kindly sent me this project:
"Late in 2007, Benetton began documenting the progress of the loan recipients through the images of photographer James Mollison. Mollison’s photos spotlight a diverse group of entrepreneurs including a fisherman, a decorator, a musician, a farmer, and a boxer. In keeping with Benetton’s commitment to social advocacy, the images are featured on billboards and print ads in the company’s new “Africa Works” global communications campaign. Benetton’s hope is that these everyday people will become tangible symbols of an Africa that uses the dignity of work to fight poverty and take back responsibility for creating its own future"

Do check it out, it's for a very worthy cause.


Thanks to Staci Smith