I have written multiple articles about fair trade, and really feel like it’s something that I really never thought of prior to working with CoolMomsCare. I never really thought about what I purchased beyond the benefit it brought to me. I think that’s the egocentricity of life, so I leave out personal judgment. By learning more about fair trade, I have really started thinking about why I purchase things and the life cycle they have prior to entering my house.
Where was it made?
Do I support the treatment of the people in the country?
Do I respect the manufacturing practices of that region?
Have I really done my homework? Do I know about the company I am buying from?
What sort of social programs does the company participate in (what happens beyond the sale of a product)?
These are just a few of the questions I have asked myself in the midst of a buying decision. I have to say that my purchasing has dramatically decreased as a result.
Today, I want to be more responsible with my buying power. I want to make conscious choices about why I buy things and from whom. That’s why I felt particularly inspired when I read about Diana Warner’s Obligato Necklace. Each purchase of a necklace helps provide clean water for ten Africans a year. This is the true essence of giving back. In purchasing this necklace, you not only get a beautiful piece of jewelry, but know that you are helping to make a difference on a larger scale. That makes my purchasing power feel a whole lot cooler!
For more information about Diana Warner, check out the works she’s doing.
To learn more about ways you can help bring water to Africa, read about Luxury Fund.
