Fair trade, an international movement designed to alleviate global poverty and promote sustainability, has been growing by leaps and bounds. Fair trade helps communities directly by requiring fair labor conditions and safe environmental practices to support local economic development. The movement has gained more attention as of late and has led to more conscious consumers. Fair trade products are not to be confused with green products. Green products aren’t just things made with organic cotton or recycled items, it also means the item was made in a responsible earth-sensitive way. Choosing work that is individually handcrafted by artisans in their studios is a very earth friendly choice and one of the commitments we at Ma Maison make. Gender equality with respect to wages and working conditions can also be a contributing factor to counting an item as green or fair trade.
Ma Maison searches to supply our community with products that consider the effects within and beyond our borders. In particular we love to support craftspeople from our community and women based enterprises. This month we are featuring Whitney Howard a designer who makes eco friendly, made in the USA, pewter blessing rings, peaceful hearts and inspiration rocks. All are inexpensive and made conscientiously. She states, “Our energy feels like magic when we work together. Blessing Rings, Inspire Rings, and Peaceful Hearts were created from our desire to bring joy, peace, love, healing, and gratitude to those who give and receive them.” In this New Year, we can all do our part to contribute to the betterment of humankind and spend our dollars where they are helping each other. Come by Ma Maison to see the wide collection of handmade products that are earth friendly and supporting global commerce.
We are open everyday in the Kohl’s Shopping Center at 24266 Valencia Boulevard in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-799-7983.