Pamela Alimurung for NYC Fair Trade Coalition

[caption id="attachment_335" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Pamela Alimurung at Arcadia's Fair Trade Fashion Show"][/caption]

New York City Fair Trade Coalition is an all-volunteer grassroots movement that was founded in 2005.  Pamela Alimurung has been chairperson since August 2010.  According to her, fair trade is important for everyone to know because it raises awareness of the humanity behind consumerism.

“Our mission is two-fold.  We educate the public on the importance and value of fair trade,” she said.  “We want people to know there is a life behind every product we use and consume.  We also promote and partner with our business members by offering them events to sell to the public or platforms to help their businesses grow.”

NYFTC has about 35 fair trade businesses and the list is growing.  The members pay a small fee and NYCFTC offers them events, public relations support and general business building.  “We have retail partners like Arcadia, Think Coffee and Sustainable NYC, faith organizations such as Judson Memorial Church and fair trade associations like Fair Trade Resources Network and Fair Trade Federation that help spread the word on events and host our sessions.”

[caption id="attachment_326" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Cecila Appinanim from Kupa Kokoo, on left, talks to a supporter"][/caption]

NYCFTC has held educational events such as a Q&A with Cecilia Appianim, a cocoa farmer with Kuapa Kokoo.  They produce cocoa for Divine Chocolate and own 45% of the company.  NYCFTC partnered up with Fair Trade U.S.A who organized Appianim’s travel arrangements and Sustainable NYC, a local and eco-friendly store, who held the event.

“We had about 35 people attend and they were engaged and learned about Cecilia’s work on the farm, how fair trade has positively affected her, her family and her community and, of course, to enjoy Divine Chocolate samples,” Alimurung said.

NYCFTC’s more recent event was a film screening of “The Dark Side of Chocolate.” They were honored to have the filmmaker, U. Roberto Romano, attend and answer questions.  This time NYCFTC worked with Trade School, where individuals can teach for free, in downtown NYC to host the event. Alimurung recalls how amazing it was to see everyone stay after the event to discuss further the issues in the cocoa business.

[caption id="attachment_324" align="alignright" width="300" caption="NYCFTC's Fair Trade Holiday Fair"][/caption]

“I had one person tell me, ‘I could live off chocolate.  I had no idea most of these brands I eat everyday blind themselves to the use of trafficked child labor.  I can only buy fair trade now,’” she said.  Seems like NYCFTC’s educational events work!

In addition to their informational sessions, NYCFTC also holds business events.  They held “Fair Trade Holiday Fair” in December 2010 at Judson Memorial Church where 15 fair trade businesses came to sell their products for two days.

“It was well-attended and businesses were able to interact with the consumers,” Alimurung said.  “The consumers, through their purchases, learned about how these fair trade businesses were “giving back” to the artisan community.”

[caption id="attachment_327" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Rhea Alexander, founder of DIGS, with her son and husband in the background"][/caption]

Alimurung bought the Robot Christmas Ornament at the holiday fair from DIGS for her godson, Max.  She thought it would be a fun opportunity to teach him about recycled and fair trade items.  He then brought it to school for show-and-tell!

“Now that I am more involved in fair trade I really try my best to make my dollar count,” Alimurung said. “This has also made me realize how much we consume and buy without thinking of the life at that other end of the supply chain.”

Thank you Suzanna Finley for NYCFTC’s photographs.

Carmen Iezzi for Fair Trade Federation

The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is an integral part of fair trade.  “FTF is the trade association located in downtown Washington, D.C. that strengthens and promotes North American organizations fully committed to fair trade,” Carmen Iezzi, FTF’s Executive Director, said. According to the FTF website, it values trade as a positive change, respectful partnerships, community, sustainable practices, full commitment to fair trade and consumer knowledge. Formally incorporated in 1994, the FTF is an organizational evaluation association.  In other words, they evaluate groups’ full commitment to the fair trade principles such as creating opportunities for economically and socially marginalized producers, paying farmers and artisans promptly and fairly, cultivating environmental stewardship and respecting cultural identity. These organizations oversee all types of fair trade products.  The World Fair Trade Organization is also an organizational evaluation association.

“Each organization wanting to be part of FTF undergo a rigorous screening process to evaluate their trading practices and the depth of their commitment to the fair trade principles,” Iezzi said. “By approaching business and development in a holistic way, members work to make trade a tool to alleviate poverty, reduce inequality and create opportunities for people to help themselves.”

In a video interview with Iezzi, she describes FTF’s membership into three groups: 60% are importing companies based in the U.S. and Canada that work with artisan communities abroad, 30% are retailers and 10% are commodities companies like coffee and chocolate companies.  FTF’s membership has increased steadily over time.  In 2010, they added 31 new members.  “Our members strive to only source under fair trade principles and place fair trade at the heart of what they do.  FTF itself is not a certifying body, as we do not audit product chains,” Iezzi said.

Product certification organizations, like Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) and their U.S. affiliate, Fair Trade USA, set standards for and audits the supply chains of specific products from point of origin to point of sale.

“The FTF educates individual consumers by speaking to the press, engaging in social media, giving public presentations, and other forms of promotion,” Iezzi said.  The FTF also continually supports its members by providing them fair trade educational tools via posters and brochures that they can pass on and further educate to their consumers on fair trade.

They also have the Fair Trade Federation University program that is available to members and the public.  This platform works like an online university holding “webinars” that teach fair trade principles and impacts as well as general business building through social media and marketing strategies.

The FTF continues to positively impact the fair trade movement and promotes a sustainable economic and social system for everyone.

Designer Spotlight: Jon Wilson of Foodmap

Santa Monica, California: Jon L. Wilson, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, is the co-founder and Chief Designer of FoodMap Design; a young, multidisciplinary design firm committed to reconnecting residential space and food cultivation. Their design concept is to use new modern and green design principles to construct spaces, landscapes, and products that support locally and home-grown foods. They believe that eating locally and home grown foods reestablishes the relationship between everyday life and a healthy and sustainable food source. Jon attended architecture school at Columbia University, Southern California Institute of Architecture, and Tulane University earning a professional degree in architecture. Designer Offer: Receive 20% off Jon's Low and Tall Planters and create an edible garden anywhere! Use Code NL0329 at checkout!

This weeks giveaway: Win our Wooden Mat - handmade in Peru from FSC certified wood. Like DIGS on Facebook to find out how to enter!

Digs Artisan Spotlight: Awayu

La Paz, Bolivia: The Bolivian Andes are home to men and women that live in perfect harmony with nature.  This region is the natural habitat of llamas and alpacas.  These native and generous animals are an important part of life for the native people of the Andes, who with great ancestral skill use the rich woolen fibers of these beautiful creatures to make their own clothing and premium products for the world. Using their inherited skills in weaving garments, the Association of Llama and Alpaca Breeder of the High Andes AIGACAA - decided to establish a modern Alpaca thread and tops industry: COPROCA.  The Llama and Alpaca Fiber Company "COPROCA" is a private enterprise whose main shareholders are 1,200 families who live in the Bolivian highlands.  Since 2005, COPROCA began manufacturing high added value Alpaca garments.  As of this initiative, COPROCA offers technical assistance and market research for over 350 craftsmen and craftswomen who reside in the city of El Alto, and several rural commuities in the highlands.  Later, they formed their own fashion company AWAYU Fashion which collaborates with fashion forward designers to bring us this collection.

Don't miss our huge Winter Sale on Awayu's handknit, all natural, and dye-free Alpaca Apparel and Ornaments!  Shop now while supplies last!

This weeks giveaway: Win 4 of our Small Margot Pins - the perfect way to add some "spring" to your step (and your wardrobe)!  Like DIGS on Facebook to find out how to enter!

Designer Spotlight: Urbancase

Seattle, Washington: Darin Montgomery, a third generation craftsman and metal sculptor, founded Urbancase in 2002.  His design philosophy is to create furniture and objects that contribute to a simpler, pared back lifestyle focusing on basic aesthetic elements and functionality.  His wife, Rachel Illingworth, grew up in Tasmania, where she received a BFA from the University of Tasmania and is an internationally exhibited printmaker -- a show is currently scheduled for April in Australia.  The Subway Cushion and Subway Getaway Blankets were inspired by a trip to Berlin, where they spotted military blankets at a flea market.  They liked the idea of using an item that was intended for utilitarian purposes as an item of comfort.

Q+A with Darin Montgomery:

Q: When did you first realize that design was something you wanted to pursue?

A:  Whether I was decorating my room, sketching my dream apartment, or selecting the perfect handle grips for my bicycle, I can't rememer a time when I wasn't thinking about design.  My parents were very encouraging and gave me the freedom to make my own aesthetic decisions at an early age.  Even so . . . I think my Mom may have questioned that freedom when she had to paint over the black walls I left in my bedroom when I moved out.

Q:  When did you first begin working in sustainable/green materials and why?

A:  I don't think it was a conscious decision and it's not something we necessarily think about when working on a design.  It's more about the materials we respond do.  We don't connect with synthetic products in the same way we do natural materials and as a result I believe it leads to more sustainable practices.

Q:  What inspires you?

A:  For design inspiration, I (1.) scour files at the Library.  It's a great source for ideas that may or may not have been successful and most likely won't make it into a recently published design book or magazine.  (2.) Collaborate.  (3.)  Have a conversation with anyone who is doing something they feel passionate about.

Q:  What music are you currently listening to?

A:  Black Angels, Husky Rescue, We Were Promised Jetpacks, and Elvis Perkins.

Q:  What is your favorite travel story?

A:  Having cold meat, cheese, break, and a cheap bottle of wine on the veranda of a scrappy hotel room overlooking the rooftops of Paris with my wife.

Special Designer Offer:  Receive 20% off Urbancase's  Subway and GetawayBlankets! Use Code NL0315 at checkout!

This weeks giveaway: Win a Box of 6 Clear Primitive Recycled Soda Bottle Votives - an elegant and sustainable way to create romantic, soft lighting.  Like DIGS on Facebook to find out how to enter!

NYIGF Winter 2011

Thanks to ALL who stopped by our booth at the New York International Gift Fair!  The show was a great success for DIGS, and for sustainable design!  Our jewelry was featured in the Sustainability Display as a standout example of the use of reclaimed and recycled materials to create something beautiful and wearable.  Check out some pictures of our booth!

Designer Spotlight: Rhea Alexander

New York City, USA: Rhea studied at Parsons School of Design. Her career followed an organic yet logical progression. She practiced architecture and industrial design while making art furniture from found objects, showing them in local NY galleries. Early on, what intrigued her was how the role of the designer can play in sustainability both from an environmental position as well as from a human perspective. She opened DIGS in 1991, determined to bridge the gap between design, handicraft, and fair-trade, using sustainable materials in an attempt to preserve artisanal handicraft. She has been consulting for the private sector and NGO's such as Aid to Artisans and USAID with the similar mission. Special Designer Offer: Receive 20% off Rhea's Wood Product! Use Code NL0104 at checkout!

ATTN: LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY SHOPPERS

You did it again.

It's the week before Christmas and you haven't even started your shopping.

Listen, you're only human and you're busy and you're stressed out and who really has the time to go to the mall and pick through the leftovers, not to mention it's getting really cold out and you have lunches to make and you're spreading yourself too thin and you know you always get the flu this time of year.

Breathe.

Pour a glass of wine.  Put on your sweatpants.  Turn on your computer.

Shop at DIGS.com - you will find something for the entire family.  Seriously, we've got everyone from Grandkid to Grandma covered.  Heck, we'll even give you 20% off our Signature Collection because, yes, we totally know how you feel.

Use Coupon code SC118 for 20% off our Signature collection!

20% OFF SIGNATURE COLLECTION!

It's Official: The Holidays are here! Skip the lines on black friday and shop at Digs.com! To kick off the season we are offering 20% off our signature collection, just use CODE: SC118 at checkout. Eco and luxurious - gifts for the entire family!

NYC Fair Trade Coalition Holiday Fair

Join us at Assembly Hall Judson Memorial Church for a Holiday Fair! Time is running out to shop, so you don't want to miss your opportunity to buy gorgeous DIGS products in person! We will have tons of great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers, and we would love to see you there! Saturday, December 4: 10am-5pm Sunday, December 5: 2pm-5pm

LET US KNOW YOU'RE COMING!

50% off our Black Marble Oil Diffusers!

Secrets out, folks!  Our handmade, Egyptian Black Marble Oil Diffusers are available at 50% off!  Click here for the coupon code, and check out 11 other eco-friendly companies offering green and gorgeous goodies at 50% off!  Thanks to our friends at Celebrate Green!  Hurry, while supplies last!!!

DIGS.com Launch party a HUGE success!

Monday, November 8 was a proud day for the DIGS team!  We celebrated the launch of DIGS.com with a shopping and cocktail event at NYC's historic National Arts Club.  We had an AMAZING turn out and happy shoppers left with great new products from our exclusive online collection.  Mend was there showing their signature bags with video loops of their moving films, telling the unheard stories of Northern Uganda.  Our friends at Same Sky were also there, displaying their gorgeous collection of handmade glass-beaded bracelets, made by genocide survivors in Rwanda. For more pictures from the event, check out our facebook page!  Don't forget to "like" us so you get all the news and invites on our upcoming events.  You really don't want to miss them!

I'm in a Shea Butter Romance....

... and apparently I'm not the only one.  Mighty Goods is raving about our Pomegranate Whipped Shea Butter, and I am personally obsessed with the Black Orchid Ultra Rich Shea Cream.  Check out what Mighty Goods has to say!

Crafts in Chelsea Craft Fair!

Join D.I.G.S. at the PS 11 Fall Festival 2010 on Saturday October 16, 10-6pm and ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO DIGS.COM! Start your holiday shopping early and help support our public schools! We will be there showcasing our eco-friendly jewelry, fashion, home decor, and lifestyle products - gift ideas for everyone! We will also have a raffle for a $100 gift certificate to www.digs.com (And when you're done shopping, treat yourself to something sweet for only $1 at the Bake sale!) Bring the kids and make a day of it! There will be games, bouncers, arts + crafts, face painting, live entertainment and more! PS11 is located in the heart of Chelsea on West 21st between 9th/10aves not far from the Highline & galleries. Students have free admittance, non-PS11 kiddos are $10.

WWW.DIGS.COM HAS TAKEN FLIGHT!

DIGS is proud to announce the launch of the new DIGS.COM; a robust online store with hundreds of new sustainable and fair trade home, decorative accessories, and gift products. Fusing contemporary design with traditional craft, our new line is one of a kind in both design and production. Meet the faces and hands that have created our luxurious new collection! The new site features slideshows that tell the exotic stories of designers at large working with artisans from around the globe or around the corner. Meet the Designers

Browse, Shop and Learn at DIGS.com!

E-commerce chapter 0

Initially I thought E-commerce would be like sitting on the edge of the retail sandbox, turned out to be a sandstorm of an undertaking, swirling and stripping everything we thought we knew.  Similar to child birth and with about the same amount of sleep in the first few months...as they say, what doesn't kill you, makes you ahem...too exhausted and elated to think clearly. We hope you enjoy the new place and come celebrate with us all the magnificent talent.

Digs.com

Habitat

[caption id="attachment_62" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The Chinook"][/caption] As a product designer who studied architecture, I reflect on how people live, a lot. I travel the world, observe and explore.  I am fascinated with how people build and decorate be it a hut, house or hovel. I think about how we live, what we use, how to improve it or offer options.

The other day, my son was watching Sesame Street and "the word of the day" was HABITAT. We started to discuss the different habitats for animals and people. When we walked to pre-school, I noticed one of our neighbors, but this time in context. We have mused that he is an ex-rocket scientist from Colorado now living out of his Chinook and hanging out in the streets of New York, we have not met but each week when alternate side of the street parking takes place, he some how starts the engine and moves it. I often can hear it start and I am drawn to the window in fascination, voyeuristically wondering about who he is and how he lives. What does he have in there? It is filled to the rim with black plastic bags, carrying what? I have seen him (you can imagine) he is old, slight build, has long grey hair and beard. Once I tried to offer my help when he needed to move it because he turns it on, puts it in neutral, steers from outside and pushes it into the street, waits for the sweeper then pushes it back into place, but he didn't hear me or just didn't acknowledge and I didn't press, feeling perhaps I had invaded his privacy.  I am fond of this man, of his tenacity, of his choice of habitat.

DIGS at New York International Gift Fair 2010

[caption id="attachment_74" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Our talented Peruvian Designers"][/caption]

DIGS launched a new collection featuring many bright new Peruvian Designer; Kareen Nishimura, Ricardo Geldres Piumati, mary Luz Diaz and the venerable Vacide Erda Zimic whom has been with DIGS for over 2 years. We also carried designs by Frederic Alcantara and Rhea Alexander.

The collection was well received and will be selling to many museum stores nation wide and many will be featured on our upcoming newly developed and released e-commerce website.
We will be featuring various collections designed by our team of designers for both wholesale and retail international markets and have plans for expansion next year. Our goal is to team  up designers with artisan groups working in fair trade and ecological materials.

Check it out!

[caption id="attachment_75" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Digs at the New York International Gift Fair, Aug 2010"][/caption]

Bring your Shovel and Pail- DIGS goes E-Commerce in a BIG way

As a child my parents taught me the meaning of stewardship of caring for everything around us and of giving back...my mom, early on, made me aware of our collective footprint, of the macro and micro, of observing and learning...we travelled a lot as a family, saw and experienced many diverse lifestyles, these concepts would weave throughout my life and form who I am today. I see life as a sandbox... well today maybe it is more a mix with soil and compost too...for almost 20yrs (hard to believe) DIGS had been a sustainably minded, designer run, wholesale business, selling to top international retailers such as Bergdorf's, Bloomingdales, Harrod's, Lane Crawford and the like. Also to the trade (interior designers + hospitality) making private label products for bespoke brands such as Mandarin Oriental and St. Regis. Since inception, only dabbling into direct consumer sales.

Now, 20 yrs later, this social enterprise, is putting a stake into the virtual sandbox determined to share with you, our pearls and nuggets we've discovered on our journeys by creating an e-commerce site where we bring to you a lifetime of finds, talent, and amazing stories certain to be keepsakes.

Thanks Mom!

Morocco

Morocco is filled with light, color and talent. The style and tastes are unique and renown as is the quality. It is both exotic and approachable; the feeling of comfort emotes. I had the privilege of going invited by Aid to Artisans (http://www.aidtoartisans.org/) through a pilot project they had funded in part by the Millennium Project (http://www.unmillenniumproject.org/) and the Moroccan Government to research a "Made in Morocco" brand to preserve their artisanal handicraft. This is not a new concept but one floating around for a while in this sector as a means to preserve regional-specific craft. This ties in with the Cairo Forum topics (http://www.cairoforum2010.org/), I attended 10 days before, where they addressed the same issue on how we globally preserve the identity and heritage of regions through the preservation of their craft. This not only preserves the above, it also preserve their way of life, traditions, means of income and so much more. In terms of alleviating poverty and maintaining sustainability, it is vital and it needs to go a step further to also expose them to new markets of opportunity where they can exchange ideas, learn new skills, attract others internationally such as designers, producers, distributors, buyers, tourists and so forth to actually improve their conditions in their own way and on their own terms. How one would go about protecting this and marketing this globally creates challenges.  The branding of countries handicraft is an interesting proposition filled with opportunities and issues, how do you feel about it?

See our photos from Morocco on our Facebook page