Shopping for Social Good with Global Purpose
My closet and jewelry box are nearly full to capacity with all sorts of clothing and accessories, but I can count my favorite pieces with two hands. Among them are my copper and chalcedony drops made by a Texas artist, lime green leather wristlet from Buenos Aires, bright red blouse with gold-colored-embellishments from India, suede bag with floral embroidery from Santa Fe, and my giant silver lace earrings from Mexico.
To me, they are all special, beautiful in their own ways and certainly unique – all qualities I admire in fashion. But, what’s more is that they are also representative of the way I want to shop and invest my dollars. Each piece was either designed by a woman, purchased in a woman-owned establishment or a minority-owned small business, or was sourced with local materials and utilized area artisans. In essence, they are all ethical, local or fair trade.
That’s the spirit of Global Purpose. The purposeful giving company works with manufacturers that create ethically made creations and put women to work in dignified endeavors. By partnering with these manufacturers, Global Purpose helps provide women in Haiti, India and Uganda educational and business opportunities that promote autonomy and benefit their communities.
The workers benefit in a myriad of ways, and this short video shows how one woman is using her work as a catalyst to transform her life.
It’s wonderful to know where your beautiful things come from and that they are working to change lives. And now I can count three more items among my favorites.
A sari scarf with knot details can substitute a necklace and it’s super bright fuchsia color makes it an outfit stand out.
A multi-strand necklace with beads in gold, honey or brass colors is flattering to my skin tone and will go with just about everything I own.
Finally, a little embroidered drawstring pouch is just big enough to hold essentials. But, one of the qualities that I appreciate most is that they come from the company’s Village Artisan line, which is made by women in India. Not only that, but these pretty accessories are all available at select HEBs!
Today is International Women’s Day, a global commemoration of equality, achievement and appreciation of women and girls. While there is much to celebrate, it’s also a time to reflect on how much work still needs to be done and how our actions help or hurt women around the world. I’ve written before about my commitment to “vote with my dollars” and invest or refuse to support businesses based on their ethical footprints. Today, I’m renewing this commitment and with each future purchase will consider it’s greater impact. My hope is that together we can embrace compassionate capitalism and see our buying power translate to women’s empowerment all over the world.
Disclosure: I was gifted a beautiful scarf, necklace and pouch from Global Purpose to try out and discuss. However, all opinions are my own.
