Unique Batik
Learn more about our partners at Unique Batik
Unique Batik is a Fair Trade wholesaler and online retailer based in Raleigh, NC. They have been in business since 1991 and Unique Batik now partners with artisans (individuals and families) in Guatemala, Ghana, Thailand, and Chile. A proud member of the Fair Trade Federation, Unique Batik guarantees its artisans fair wages, long-term relationships, and safe working conditions that are free from discrimination and forced child labor. This allows the artists to make a living, stay in their home communities and carry on cultural traditions.
Income is more valuable than ever for women in Guatemala, as construction jobs are disappearing for their husbands. Many women are now the sole wage earners in their households. With pressure to support their families and raise their children, Natural Dye Co-ops are popping up all over Guatemala.
Unique Batik partners with natural dye artisans living in San Juan la Laguna, which is located on the western shore of Lake Atitlan. San Juan la Laguna is a quiet, clean village of about 8,000 residents. Off the beaten (tourist) path, its resulting relaxed atmosphere allows visitors to get away from the bustle of the city and experience the genuine friendliness of the indigenous Guatemalan people.
In the co-op, the women have perfected ways to create dyes from coffee, avocado, berries, cocoa, tree bark, and other plants. Cotton thread is dyed in these homemade mixtures and then woven to make scarves, bags and other home goods. A process like this is very labor intensive but the results are worth it!
Why Fair Trade Makes the Best Gifts
We’re always giving gifts to one another, and often searching for what will be the perfect present for any given occasion. Giving the gift of Fair Trade is a gift that gives twice, because not only are you giving to another person, you’re also providing for those who created that gift by hand. Fair Trade gives back to those that create these remarkable pieces of art and craft, so you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you’re not only giving to your friend, family member, or neighbor, you’re giving to the artisan as well.
With the holidays approaching, buying Fair Trade is a wonderful way to give to those you love, while also providing for the communities across the globe that craft those gifts.
Recipients can enjoy their presents even more knowing that what they have received provides for more stable incomes and greater economic opportunity for thousands of artisans and small-scale farming families. When you select a Fair Trade gift, you are demonstrating that you care for both the person that your are giving to and for those that have produced them.
Sourced from UniqueBatik.com