When we first started our store many products were musical in nature; drums, shakers, rattles, scrapers, etc. Although we still have all the instruments, we now have African Sculptures, Baskets, Wooden bowls, carvings, placemats and even hand crafted cards by orphans. Through a contact in the United States we were able to get fair trade items from Indonesia and Venezuela. Our dear friends in India made certain that we had the marvelous wood products and the interesting fabric (including purses), from their country.
We are now associated with the women’s bean project, which is an American company located in Denver Colorado. This project is one that provides training and employment for at risk women. Global Made also carries a variety gourmet coffee and teas from various countries. Our chocolate comes in all varieties and is grown in cooperative farms in Ghana. The Ghana’s do not process the coco beans because they do not have money for the equipment. So it is processed in Germany, Great Britain, or the United States.
Some of our products are created from recycled items, the ultimate act of going green! Rolled newspapers and magazines become bowls, platters, and boxes from Vietnam, or purses from the Philippians. Used pop cans become animals. Gifts range from 2 dollars to 300.
Fair trade is important because it provides a living wage for the people in small villages. It also provides dignity; by purchasing items to sell in our store we provide a sense of dignity and self worth to the artist. If people did not have their opportunity to produce their craft or art many would be forced in prostitution to provide sufficient funds to support their families.
