Jewelry exists to make an aesthetic statement. But it can make an ethical statement too. That idea drove Katy and Philip Leakey (yes, of that prolific anthropology family) to start the Leakey Collection.
In 2001, the Leakeys, who live in Kenya, found themselves supporting 100 Masai families during a severe drought. Realizing it wasn't a sustainable arrangement, the pair devised a way to make attractive accessories out of the region's renewable resources -- mainly tall grass and fallen trees -- and then taught local women how to do it.
Their decade-old business is thriving, due in part to their products' colorful beauty and versatility, but also because people feel good about buying from a company that prioritizes purpose: The women who hand-craft the bright, mix-and-matchable Zulugrass strands are paid fair wages, and 5% of profits go toward supporting the Rift Valley's infrastructure.
Which, if you believe ethics have anything to do with your shopping power, means that you may end up wearing the Leakeys' down-to-earth goods with more pride than any ill-gotten diamonds or gold.
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What's in Store: The Leakey Collection | The Leakey Foundation
This article got me doing a little research on the Leakey's. These are some people who are truly walking the walk. This piece barely scratches the surface of what they're doing. Beyond the fact that they given thousands an opportunity to freaking LIVE and creating infrastructure, this model has given women the opportunity to earn money by working for the first time in the culture's history.
I'm passing this link around and I hope others do too. People are free to do what they want with their buying dollar but please don't ever forget that dollar can either mean lining some corporatist's pockets or it can go to enacting REAL change.
Here's to the Leakey's.
i hear a whole lake is disappearing in kenya so we can have cut roses.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/feb/14/valentines-day-roses-kenya
http://makewealthhistory.org/2009/02/13/the-price-of-kenyan-roses-and-the-tragedy-of-lake-naivasha/
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/emeraldcity/2008/02/roses-are-red-a.html
Unfortunately the necklace pictured is composed of a lot of the single zulu grass necklaces at $13 each. Too rich for my blood.
Susan
Green, sustainable products are worth the effort!
Green is good.