Author Archive
Fair Trade Lessons Learned From Bali Jewelry Factory Visits
When we constructed our facility in Santa Fe, we heavily invested in ventilation systems. Over the years, we have also researched solders and fluxes which were as safe as possible. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our work environment.
We brought this practical experience with […]
Is There Such A Thing As Fair Trade Jewelry?
A Google search for “fair trade jewelry” will bring up numerous companies, many of which sell ethnic jewelry produced in small villages in the developing world. The ‘fair trade’ concept draws the socially responsible shopper, yet the third party labeling organization, Fair Labeling Organization (FLO)- of which Transfair USA is a member - does […]
The Diamond Trade in 2007: How Much Blood Remains?
In March, 2007, I traveled to Turkey, where I attended the Istanbul Jewelry Show. There I met a diamond dealer, the president of a large firm with a large booth. He was the brother of a personal friend and had been in the diamond industry for many years. His primary business was the Russian market, […]
Interview with Carmen Iezzi
In 2006, Carmen Iezzi, was named executive director of the Fair Trade Federation, which represents more than 250 fair trade businesses in North America.
An Alumni of American University, she knew she had an important and significant job to do. She envisioned her role as the youngest person there; to lead the group with fresh […]
Interview with Steve D’Esposito on Fair Trade Jewelry
I conducted this interview with Steve D’Esposito:
MC: Given EARTHWORKS’ highly charged “Dirty Gold” campaign which many perceived as hostile to the jewelry industry, how it is now that you have now coalesced support to sponsor this jewelry summit? Can you outline, briefly, what led you to this position and the role of the Madison Dialogue? […]
Committing to Love and the Earth: a Guide to Green Weddings
Over the next twelve months, roughly 2.4 million Americans will spend 70 billion dollars (US) getting married. Green and socially responsible weddings can have a huge impact for the better on local economies and ecologies. Here are ten ways to express your commitment to the interconnectedness of life on earth during your wedding day.
1. […]
An Interview on a Fair Trade Jewelry Model in South Africa
Laurens Mare is CEO of the South African Jewelry Counsel. The interview was conducted by Marc Choyt.
Through the nonprofit organization, Vukani-Ubuntu, you have created a wonderful model that trains economically disadvantaged people from townships into the jewelry trade. Let’s start with what year you were founded and how many people are involved in […]
Ten Tips To Purchasing Green, Ethically Sourced Wedding Rings Online
Would you feel good about a wedding ring if it was created by maltreated labor or with materials that trashed the environment? Does your expression of love just extend to your intimate ones; or beyond them to the greater human family? It takes real courage for a bride and groom to even consider these issues, […]
The Circle Manifesto: A New Economic Model Based On Ancient Wisdom
Most businesses are structured like pyramids. People and resources are used to benefit those at the top who set policy to achieve maximum profit. This narrow focus, mandated in publicly held companies by the law of our land, has turned our basic human need for exchange into a destructive pattern.
“Consumers” slowly undermine their own wellbeing […]
Leading from Behind: Leadership in a Circle-Based Business
The purpose of a circle-based business is to benefit community through relationships that are nurtured by fair and equitable exchange. Every person inside and outside of the business is viewed as equal in their humanity.
The circle has been used as an alliance for as long as human beings have lived in […]
