Just started reading The Aid Trap: Hard Truths About Ending Poverty by R. Glenn Hubbard and William Duggan. So far, I've just made it through the introduction (Hawai'i's not just for reading on the beach apparently, sigh), but it's definitely going to make for an interesting read. Here's the final paragraph from the introduction:
"Business will never touch the heart the way charity does. Some ... want to pay for a well in a village and then go visit to see it working. There is nothing wrong with that desire, but typically they remain completely unaware of the damage behind the scenes: how a local well-digging company can never compete with a foreign charity that digs wells for free. But there are ways to help the well company too, and that's the path out of poverty. Charity and business are equally worthy, equally possible to support with aid, and equally vital to saving the world."
Speaking of supporting business as the main road out of poverty, I've been wanting a cross-body satchel. Wait, those two phrases don't go together? OH YES THEY DO! Look at this beautiful leather clutch made by a leather artisan in Kenya, available through Ethical Ocean:
Lionne Cross-Body Satchel, $32.41, by Kenya's Leather Trading Company. You can even read a bit about the Kenyan creator under the product description.
The satchel's seller, Lionne, partners with African designers and artisans and has a two-pronged mission: "Enhance the livelihood of its partners by paying fair prices and offering a new export market, whilst providing women around the world with high quality, fashion forward clothing and accessories handmade in Africa."
While Ethical Ocean is one of those online stores that has great finds but almost makes them look frumpy, sift through a little and you're guaranteed treasures for men, women, keiki, your desktop, and more. And if the lack of design turns you off, just think that that may be what's keeping prices down! Because they've got some great scores for folks of all ages and styles.
No comments:
Post a Comment