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Jambo!
We hope you are enjoying your summer and managed to get through the terrible storms we have experienced. Recently, the strength of Mother Nature has certainly been demonstrated in many parts of the world. It seems so many of our artisans are struggling with weather issues and if not weather, are affected by political changes like those in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Working with so many groups around the globe, makes the world seem very small.
We are beginning to find new artisans for our fall and holiday products. It is a pleasure to see so many new co-ops starting. When we opened three years ago it was difficult to find new groups. Today, new members join the Fair Trade Federation each month.
Hope to see you soon. Have a wonderful summer.
Your friends at Blue Summit
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Rwandan Baskets |
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In 1994, Rwanda was torn apart by a brutal genocide. In roughly 100 days, close to one million Rwandan citizens were murdered. Left behind was a small nation made up of nearly 70% women. Faced with an uncertain future, the women turned to their past and reclaimed their heritage of weaving. Drawing strength from each other, women of both sides of the conflict organized co-ops to rebuild their communities and their lives.
We have just received a shipment of amazing baskets from the women of the Nkuringo Basket Weavers Association. They live on the southwest edge of Bwindi National Park in an area seldom visited by tourists. Nkuringo has no electricity, and the women must often walk many miles to get fresh water. The people of Nkuringo traditionally have made their living from subsistence agriculture. Earnings from basket sales have made a tremendous difference in the lives of the women of Nkuringo and their families, including the ability to send their children to school and access to health care.
A must see is the Unity Basket.This beautiful bold black-and-white fruit bowl tells an equally beautiful story. Groups of three lines, each one representing a people of Rwanda - Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa - trace parallel paths along the surface of the bowl, creating a pattern that celebrates the people's new sense of unity, and the path they walk together.
Another gorgeous piece is the Rare Earth Basket. The natural colors and contours of the Rwandan landscape are the inspiration for this exquisite basket woven of naturally dyed sisal.
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Best in Omaha! |
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This month we were invited to participate in KETV's Best in Omaha Competition. This invitation brings Blue Summit new exposure and opportunity for our artisans. If you haven't had the chance to vote yet, the link is http://ketv.cityvoter.com/blue-summit/biz/77553 Don't be shy! Great reviews will also help draw interest to the store.
We appreciate your support by voting and all the word of mouth referrals. Not a day goes by someone doesn't mention that a friend directed them our way.
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I Was a Slave |
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Today, it is estimated that 27 million people are currently enslaved around the world. Slaves supply labor for agricultural work, domestic work, factory labor and commercial sex. It can be the foundation of many products you purchase. Unfortunately it is rampant. Even with all the new legislation, little progress has been made.
Facts from To Plead our Own Cause: Personal Stories by Today's Slaves:
- Rambho is an Indian Boy who was trafficked into a carpet factory in India. More than 300,000 children are estimated to be trapped in India's carpet industry.
- Elira, is an Albanian woman who was trafficked to Italy and forced to work as a prostitute.
- Shant is an Indian woman who was enslaved as a bonded laborer in the rock quarries of India.
- Gonoo is a slave in Lohagara Dhal. He works off the debt of 62 cents borrowed in 1958. Interest on the debt has made it impossible to repay.
What can you do to help? Be aware of the source of the products you buy. Speak with your dollars, your investments and your choices. Visit www.freetheslaves.net for more information.
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Coffee Prices |
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This year many of you enjoyed our wonderful, flavorful Peace coffee. With your support, Peace Coffee was able to purchase over 495,000 pounds of fairly traded beans in 2007. This ensured that coffee farmers earned a livable wage in a volatile global coffee market. But many cost factors have come into play and prices are going up. We wanted to give you advance notice that effective August 15, our coffee prices will increase. Subsequently, chocolate prices are also on the rise and will increase with our fall shipments.
Why the increase? Higher commodity prices, increased fuel costs, and a falling U. S. Dollar. We continue to be committed to providing you with the best products available and fair and sustainable incomes for our farmers and their families.
To enjoy the current prices, we have a nice supply of fresh coffee on hand. Stop by soon and stock up. |
