CIBJO and Fairtrade International Promote Use of Fair-Trade Gold Through MOU Signing

CIBJO, The World Jewelry Federation, and Fairtrade International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The Memorandum commits Fairtrade, working together with CIBJO and its member organizations, to improving certified Fairtrade gold supplies to the jewelry markets and members of CIBJO-associated organisations.

The agreement was signed at the 2014 CIBJO Congress in Moscow by CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri and Fairtrade International's fair trade gold coordinator, Greg Valerio.

Though Shopping for a Change does not carry any gold or silver fair trade jewelry at this time, we support Fairtrade International's goal to raise work and living standards in developing countries while creating sustainable economic opportunities. Fairtrade International works with poorer and marginalized small-scale and artisanal miners in the gold and precious metals sector, helping to forge sustainable livelihoods through the creation of developmental standards.

SRAC Offers Fair Trade, Eco-Friendly Jewelry

Chosen for its artistry, materials and  green sustainability, our jewlery features collections from Africa, Asia, and South America. With eye-catching designs and modern looks our jewlery makes a stunning fashion statement. Artisans' cultural identities are embodied in our eco-friendly jewelry crafted from green, natural, recycled and repurposed materials. With plenty of styles to select from, we offer the finest handmade jewelry utilizing recycled brass, copper, sterling silver, reclaimed wood, fabric, paper, glass, grasses, horn, leather, nuts and seeds such as Acai, Pambil and Tagua (found only in South American rainforests).

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Shop Amazon.com and Support Nonprofit Shopping for a Change

Did you know when you shop on Amazon, your purchases could help further our cause?

It’s true, and it’s easy to do. Go to Smile.Amazon.com (instead of just Amazon.com), set Shopping for a Change® as the nonprofit you’d like to benefit from your purchases, then shop as usual. It’s that simple!

Then every time you want to shop Amazon, start at Smile.Amazon.com. You’ll see the same selection as on Amazon, but now Shopping for a Change® will receive .5% of the retail price any time you see this phrase/logo by the item you’re purchasing: Eligible for Amazon Smile donation.

Bringing a smile to someone’s face is a gift we can all afford to give.Together, we are bringing smiles to faces around the world whose lives we are improving. Now you can bring a smile to faces every time you shop at Smile.Amazon.com. Or shopping for fair trade gifts for her, him, babies and home decoration at ShoppingforaChange.org.

The New Fair Trade Direction for Apparel

We're proud to carry a baby apparel line that is Fair Trade Certified and we are contributing to the new future for conscious consumers.

Maya Spaull writes that "Transforming the apparel industry is within our reach. By engaging in responsible sourcing practices that protect people and planet, a brand can communicate their values. This is an evolving conversation, accompanied by increasingly conscious consumers that are demanding to know how their clothing, footwear and accessories are produced.

Just a few years ago, the idea of a Fair Trade wardrobe was a distant dream. However, the option to choose clothes that are stylish, well made AND align with your values is growing. Check out these amazing brands that are working hard to redefine what it means to do “good business.” In 2014, you’ll see:

New launches in collections that will feature new styles, many of them Fair Trade Certified."

SFAC is proud to carry baby items from PACT: Launching women’s and men’s apparel and the first Fair Trade USA certified baby gear

See Our Gorgeous NEW Jewelry Just in Time for Summer!

Just in time for summer, Shopping for a Change is offering our most colorful collection of fair trade, eco-friendly jewelry.  Choose from the finest, hand-crafted bracelets, necklaces, earrings and pendants designed in various styles to suit any taste.  Our handmade jewelry utilizes recycled and repurposed materials including brass, copper, sterling silver, reclaimed wood, fabric, paper, glass, grasses, horn, leather, nuts and South American rainforest seeds such as Acai, Pambil and Tagua.  Make a fashion statement this summer with stunning, one-of-a-kind jewelry and feel good about supporting fair trade artisans.

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SFAC Launches Nutrition Improvement Project with Faire Collection

Last year, when we at Shopping for a Change became aware that malnutrition and severe hunger was one of the biggest challenges faced by artisans from the Kichwa Tribes in the Amazon regions of Ecuador, we initiated the Nutritional Empowerment Project in cooperation with Faire Collection, one of our partnering artisan organizations.

The project, now jointly funded with net proceeds from our 2013 customer purchases and an in-kind donation from Faire Collection is underway.

On May 1st, Joy Bittner of Faire Collection traveled to the Amazon region to meet with the three communities who are participating in the project: Nueva Esperanza, San Pedro and San Francisco. It was then she introduced them to the project, completed enrollments, and implemented baseline surveys. Joy reported back to us that, “the people are really excited about the project…and the idea of organic gardening practices. Talking specifically with one family, they completely understood the importance right away as they had previously lived deep in the jungle (they said 25 kilometers from any real road) and so were used to living completely off the land.  Now they say with the widespread use of pesticides and chemicals (even in rural Ecuador) they are very concerned with the effect that they will have on the land and especially the rivers. They are very conscientious of being upstream of many of the Amazon waterways and very much want to conserve the natural environment that we are living in.”

The initial workshops to launch this project are scheduled for May 17 and 18^th, and will be led by the consultant we hired.

We hope you are proud to know that your all of your purchases last year are what made this project possible, and that by shopping on our fair trade marketplace you truly do help better people’s lives both domestically and around the globe. We think this project is going to be a great success, and have you all to thank for it.

Here are a few photos of the Kichwa artisans and families that Joy shared with us from her trip.

Even Universities are Now Participating in the Fair Trade Marketplace

Northwestern University in Evanston, IL hosted a shopping event for ethically traded handicrafts, chocolate, clothing, accessories and artisanal products on May 10, 2014 in celebration of World Fair Trade Day. The fair trade marketplace featured products from a number of local and fair trade businesses.

Patrick Eccles, assistant director of Northwestern's Buffett Center, states, "World Fair Trade Day focuses on raising awareness of the need for economic action that promotes a more just global economy. Fair trade aims to support small farmers, artisans and workers more directly so that they can build better lives and invest in their communities."

World Fair Trade Day is a global celebration held on the second Saturday in May.  Hundreds of thousands of people in more than 80 countries participate.

Fair Trade Clearance Sale! 30% - 50% OFF

Check out all of our deeply discounted items--from gorgeous Same Sky bracelets to beaded and leather belts--just in time for summer!  For the most beautiful and eco-friendly additions to your summer wardrobe, shop our clearance sale--but hurry, our handcrafted, one-of-a-kind products are selling fast!  Shop Now>