The following post is Sponsored Content from Ten Thousand Villages
Fair Trade Rug Event on 9/21-9/24
So many times when we talk about creating a more sustainable, green home, discussions turn to green energy and water conservation. But choosing your home accents can also be a sustainable vote for a greener world. From the living room, to family room, bedroom to kitchen, there are a lot of ways to incorporate fair trade and sustainably made accessories and essentials. Why purchase fair trade? Fair trade proves that greater justice in world trade is possible. It highlights the need for change in the rules and practice of conventional trade and shows how a successful business can also put people and the planet first. It is a tangible contribution to the fight against poverty, climate change and economic crisis.
When thinking about adding decor to your home, there are many options. From pillows and throws, accent pieces, wall decor and much more, all which can be purchased sustainably and fairly traded. By choosing fair trade, you are connecting with other cultures. Fair trade products are unique to the places they come from and the people who make them. Farmers and artisans are involved in the entire process, and fair trade products reflect the people and cultures they come from. From hand batik from Ghana, weaving from Guatemala or needlepoint from India, the culture shines through!
Fair Trade is trade producers can count on. It’s a commitment to strengthening direct partnerships between buyers and producers. These partnerships provide an avenue for buyers to purchase quality products from people they trust, and offer a sustainable and reliable way for farmers, artisans and their families to improve their livelihood.
Floor coverings are another way to fair trade your home. At Ten Thousand Villages in Old Town Alexandria, you can choose to purchase hand knotted rugs from Bunyaad artisans in Pakistan. Bunyaad Marketplace, works with over 850 artisan families throughout 100 villages in Pakistan. Every Bunyaad rug is hand knotted using wool from the Pakistani dhumba sheep. Known for its high lanolin content, this wool is extremely stain resistant and durable.
When you choose to purchase a fair trade, hand knotted rug, you are choosing something that will not only be enjoyed in your household now, but by generations to come. These rugs will not end up in a landfill in a year or two. They can be handed down from generation to generation. With just soap and water needed for cleaning, these hand knotted rugs can stand up to what average families can dish out, including those family members with four legs and a tail. Through this fair trade rug program, men and women work side by side in their village homes and are paid equally for every knot tied. By earning a living wage, families are able to send kids to school and remain in their home villages. Bunyaad rugs are not just gentle to the earth but also create a sustaining life for artisan families.
Once a year, Ten Thousand Villages hosts their Annual Fair Trade Rug Event, bringing over 350 rugs from 2’x3’ to 10’x14” to their store for a special four day event. This year’s event is planned for September 21-24. Fair Trade your home this year! Change lives and support Mother Earth, one purchase at a time.
WHERE?
Ten Thousand Villages 915 King StAlexandria, VA 22314 703-684-1435 September 21- September 24
