Earth-Friendly and Recycled Products
You'll notice in our fair trade online store that there are many organic, recycled, natural, biodegradable and other eco-friendly products. Every year, we have increased the number of sustainable products and work closely with artisan groups to create new eco-friendly designs from locally sourced materials. The carbon emissions from international shipping is often balanced by the fact that many of the fair trade gift items are handmade (not manufactured) without the use of electricity or water.

Green Shipping Practices
When you receive an order from us, you may notice that we've reused a box. Furthermore, we also reuse packaging material, often from local businesses who would otherwise take their new or gently used packing items to the landfill (so if you get "bubble wrap" or "peanuts" - you'll know it's post-consumer). We also use Cradle to Cradle certified boxes when shipping through the U.S. Postal Service. These boxes have been recognized for their ecologically-intelligent design. Since inception, we have shipped nearly every outgoing parcel with 100% reused, recycled, or biodegradable shipping materials. Currently, we do not practice "carbon-neutral" shipping but it is something we are considering as we learn more about how we can reduce our impact on the environment.

Online Catalog and eNewsletter
Our Fair Trade Catalog is available online as a PDF download instead of a mail order catalog, which would produce a significant amount of waste. Copies are only printed on demand, when needed, using eco-friendly inks. We also publish a monthly eNewsletter and distribute coupons and special promotional offers via email and on our blog page.

In-Store and Office Practices
Basic ideas such as CFL or LED bulbs, 100% post-consumer printer paper, and recycled shopping bags (which most of our customers reuse bags anyway!) are some of the basic green practices in office. We even serve free organic coffee to neighboring offices!