Tuesday, October 9, 2012

October is Fair Trade Month- Visit Ten Thousand Villages!

by Guest Reporter Andy Visoso

I went to Alexandria for the first time and I´m in love with that place. My principal reason to visit was to see The Ten Thousand Villages store on King Street.

Ten Thousand Villages is an exceptional source for unique handmade gifts, jewelry, home decor, art and sculpture, textiles, tableware and personal accessories representing the diverse cultures of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. One of the world's largest fair trade organizations and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), the company strives to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries. .  Buying a product with a "fair trade" certification assures you that the person who produced the item received a living wage for the work.
When I walked in my eyes filled with the artisan´s magic products, I was so excited.
 


I conducted an interview with a sales associate named Danielle, She explained to me how the store works and its philosophy. Everything that she said made me interested in fair trade and the artisans.
Danielle said, "The artisans that sell in The Ten Thousand Villages are people of different parts of the world. Every product is unique but every product has something in common they are made under fair trade."
A funny and interesting fact was that the best-selling product is a carved wooden nose to put eyeglasses on like a pedestal.

Fair trade products are often included under the "sustainable" umbrella because fair trade practices contribute to a humane and just world economy.   The accessories and beauty products at Ten Thousand Villages are also made largely from natural, organic or recycled materials.
Danielle also commented that she would like to find a specific place or shop for Eco-fashion clothing.



Finally I would like to recommend visiting this store, you will find interesting pieces for gifts or decoration.  Everything is unique with meaning and history. Also there are stores in Alexandria, Bethesda  and Rockville.


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