Sustainable Spotlight: Ten Thousand Villages
Ten Thousand Villages is a maker-to-market movement that connects artisans in developing countries with conscious shoppers looking for ethically sourced gifts, homewares, and fashion accessories crafted by hand. The brand’s story begins with Edna Ruth Byler, a wife, mother, and unexpected entrepreneur.
Edna Ruth Byler.
Read: Behind the Brand: Ten Thousand Villages Puts People and The Planet First
Byler was known in the Mennonite community for her warm hospitality and famous cinnamon rolls. During a trip with her husband to Puerto Rico in 1946, Byler met women who were struggling to feed their children. She wanted to help and she wanted to do it by finding a way for the women to help themselves. You know the saying, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." Byler knew the value of dignity people get from being able to help themselves, and she herself had been through tough times during the Depression.
Byler worked with women around the globe, helping them gain economic independence through their craft.
When Byler saw the fine embroidery the women of La Plata, Puerto Rico created but had nowhere to sell, she had a sense of purpose, but no plan yet. She realized that if she appreciated these unique textiles so much, that other Americans would enjoy their beauty as well. So she brought a few pieces home and began to sell them to friends and neighbors.
The Mennonite community saw the importance of what Byler was doing. They believed in the long-term sustainable income opportunities that Byler's work could have on impoverished communities. In support of Byler's endeavors, the community helped her facilitate travels to countries including India and Jordan.
Byler is known as a pioneer in the global fair trade movement.
By the 1950s, Byler was working with women around the globe, helping them gain economic independence. This was the idea that launched Ten Thousand Villages and has since launched into a global fair trade movement.
Today, the brand works with 20,000 makers in 30 countries who earn a fair living wage in safe working conditions. Each product and donation is used to generate sustainable incomes for the artisans that Ten Thousand Villages works with. Ten Thousand Villages has seen that impact as families are able to build homes, save for the future, and send their children to school.
The brand strives to support their artisan community and has seen the positive long-term effects of their relationships, as some of the artisan groups have worked with them for 25 years or more. By partnering with people often excluded from the marketplace, particularly women, Ten Thousand Villages shares the craft, culture, and stories of makers through a network of over 50 branded stores, 300-plus retail partners, and an e-commerce shop. Since 1946, Ten Thousand Villages has been a a pioneer of fair trade, putting people and the planet first.
Here’s a look at some of the sustainable products from Ten Thousand Villages that are perfect for a little self-care and relaxation, while making a positive difference at the same time:
Lotus Bathrobe ($69.99)
Wrap yourself in comfort with this beautifully hand printed, cotton robe. Both graceful and serene, it’s likely to become your new favorite garment. The lotus bathrobe is crafted by an artisan group in India using a centuries old technique. Elevate your spa routine or wear it during those Zoom meetings—we won’t tell anyone it’s a robe!
Friendly Fox Rice Pillow ($29.99)
Relieve tension in your neck with this handmade rice-filled pillow made from repurposed traditional Guatemalan fabric. This friendly fox is not only cute and cozy, but plastic-free and made from all-natural materials. Warm in the microwave and place on your shoulders to melt the stress and tension away. Made by fair trade partner Ruth and Naomi to create jobs for widows and provide scholarships for their children.
Natural Hemp Washcloths ($12.99)
These washcloths take your sustainable spa routine to another level. Replace that plastic loofah with these handwoven, natural hemp washcloths. The eco-friendly cloths facilitate better exfoliation, have anti-microbial properties, and are known for their durability. As an added sustainability bonus, they can be composted when they have come to the end of their use.
Shea Butter Cream ($20.99)
Relieve dry or tired and stressed skin with this silky, rich moisturizer. The 100% natural shea butter is harvested, processed, and made by women in Ghana with local and sustainably sourced shea nuts. No traditional plastic packaging here as the shea butter comes packaged in a handmade ceramic jar.
[Images courtesy of Ten Thousand Villages]
Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy