What People Want from Wedge Worldwide

Whether or not the items on the list are surprising to others, it can be fascinating to see what people want. Here is a list of items that Wedge Worldwide shoppers seem to be most interested in:

1. Fair Trade Jewelry: Our fair trade jewelry is brought to us from only a few select vendors, but our selection is quite thorough (and always improving). People seem to appreciate our Minneapolis-based artist, Robin Rifé and our jewelry from Far Fetched.

2. Bamboo Disposable Plates & Utensils: They are a wonderful and attractive alternative to standard disposable paper plates made from trees that take many years to grow. These products were made from 100% certified organic bamboo! Bamboo truly is a remarkable renewable resource. Those of us who have used the plates have found that they actually hold up to being used many times. On a related note, we also have biocompostable corn-based utensils available.
   

3. Reusable Bags: Reusable bags are a superior choice to any common plastic (and paper, for that matter) shopping bags because they are an easy way to decrease the amount of waste we create each year. We have a variety of options available. Popular choices include our Hemp Shopping Bag, ChicoBags, and Fair Trade Recycled Market Bag. Check out all of our reusable bags here.

4. Recycled Rugs: Our current rug selection consists mainly of a recycled plastic or cotton rugs. The fair trade recycled rugs are made from post-consumer recycled plastic. They make a stylish eco-friendly addition to any home, but is also durable enough for outdoor use. Our cotton rugs are made with recycled materials, which creates a colorful, soft rug while extending the useful life of the components.

5. Water Bottles: Metal water bottles are becoming a common household option for a safe alternative to plastic (Bisphenol A: BPA) water bottles. With the frenzy of media attention about the safety and health concerns of plastic water bottles, people are now choosing metal options. The two main lines that Wedge Worldwide is carrying are: Klean Kanteen and Sigg water bottles. However, check back soon because we are in the process of adding an additional line to the mix.

6. Alaffia Body Care Products: Alaffia has chosen to empower communities in Africa through promoting indigenous African natural resources that are culturally, spiritually, economically, and ecologically sustainable. Traditionally handcrafted shea butter fits these criteria. It is a renewable resource of African origin; shea trees are wild, requiring no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Furthermore, it is an integral part of many savanna communities and, consequently, there is a wealth of local and traditional knowledge of making shea butter. This fair trade handcrafted shea butter is also produced by workers who belong to cooperatives, bringing income to and empowering African communities. They are a wonderful company and their products never cease to amaze us at Wedge Worldwide. Check them out!

Along with the top six, there are a few other items/vendors that deserve, at least, an honorable mention. So here they are: our Cookware items, Bambu products, Gusanito® Brand Worm Factory, and our Green Leaf Dinnerware.

Fair Trade Jewelry From Far Fetched

We've recently added several new items from one of our favorite jewelry vendors, Far Fetched, to Wedge Worldwide. Far Fetched is a great example of a company that practices Fair Trade principles in their business, and we are impressed with the relationship they have with their employees (pictured above) who produce their wares. By aiding and supporting the individuals who work for them, they in turn receive high quality, wonderfully crafted jewelry pieces from a dedicated and talented group of artisans.

Their sister company is located in Taxco, Mexico. Taxco has been renowned worldwide for silversmithing since the 1500's. Their company is located in the heart of the artisan community, with winding cobblestone streets and red tile roofs. Our vendor works intimately with 45 small, independent artisan workshops, ranging in size from one to eight people. Some of these artisans have been with them for over 20 years, and our vendor is committed to their livelihoods and preserving the traditions of silversmithing for their children.

Listed below are just some of the ways that that Far Fetched assists their suppliers:

Central shop facility- Far Fetched provides a workshop in their Taxco office that is used daily by their suppliers, at no charge. It’s outfitted with equipment and tooling that is not typically available to small shops. They also offer equipment consignment, so some of these tools can be used in the artisan’s own workshops.

Technical support-Free workshops are offered to introduce new techniques and tools, address safety considerations and discuss production issues.

Interest free loans- Far Fetched offers interest free loans to help their suppliers invest in their own businesses and for personal uses.

No middleman-Wedge Worldwide's vendor eliminates the cost of the middleman, which allows the artisan to earn more money .

Education fund-They have been working on ways to give rewards to the artisan’s children when they get good grades in school.

Daily workshop supervision-A dedicated person visits the workshops of the artisans daily to help prioritize work, check quality, problem solve production, and discuss seasonal demand.

Open Door Policy- Far Fetched is interested in long-term relationships with their suppliers. For this reason, artisans have access to everyone within their organization. Far Fetched recognizes that they have a symbiotic relationship with the artisan community, and they strive to keep the exchange of ideas flowing in both directions.

Stop by and visit us again soon at wedgeworldwide.coop because we are in the process of adding even more fun jewelry from this outstanding company!

written by Shannon