"A slavery-free Christmas"

A member of U-ACT received and passed along some important information from the Indiana Not For Sale campaign dealing with our indirect consumer involvement in modern-day slavery. As the Christmas season approaches, it is wise for us to consider how our shopping decisions may endorse companies who use unjust and inhumane ways to produce their product.

Sarah Morbitzer, the Indiana State Director of Not For Sale, has provided a list of alternatives for those of us who want to make sure we are not indirectly supporting slavery through purchasing items a slave has made:

"http://www.sweatfree.org/shoppingguide lists companies that are doing their part to make sure slavery and exploitative labor conditions aren't a part of the products they produce."

"http://www.laborrights.org/creating-a-sweatfree-world/sweatshops/resources/12211 lists some not-so-fantastic companies that carry one or more products in their stores that are tied to slave labor or poor working conditions. I'd recommend avoiding the problem products and finding alternatives at other stores. Depending on the extent of the problem, you may even want to consider avoiding some of these stores altogether (please read the full report - it's not very long - before deciding)."

"http://www.dol.gov/ilab/programs/ocft/PDF/2009TVPRA.pdf is a broader report. Part II contains an extensive list of products that are tied to slave labor or child labor in specific countries. For example, artificial flowers that come from China have been tied to slave labor. However, artificial flowers from other countries are not connected to slave labor. Bananas from Belize, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and the Philippines are likely harvested by children under the age of 15. However, there are no indications at this time that bananas from other countries are harvested under exploitative working conditions. I'd recommend printing off pages 29 - 44 and taking them with you when you go shopping. It's a fantastic way to use your purchasing power to avoid items that come from countries where these products are tied to slave labor."

Sarah also provided the following extensive list of alternatives (divided by category- clothing and accessories, bath and body, and food):

Shop Differently:

Learn more. Do more.

Free2Work: www.free2work.org

Buy Responsibly: http://buyresponsibly.org/

Chain Store Reaction: http://www.chainstorereaction.com/

ASSET Campaign: http://www.chainstorereaction.com/

Clothing and Accessories

Freedom Store: www.notforsalecampaign.org

Cross Cultural Connections: http://www.crossculturalconnections.org/catalog/

Paper to Pearls: http://www.papertopearls.org/

Better Way Imports: http://www.betterwayimports.com/

Freeset Bags: http://www.freesetglobal.com/

Punjammies: http://www.punjammies.com/

Nightlight Jewelry: http://www.nightlightinternational.com/store/

Toms Shoes: www.tomsshoes.com

Abba House: www.abbahousefoundation.org

Invisible Children: http://store.invisiblechildren.com/

The Love Alliance: http://www.thelovealliance.storenvy.com/

We are Overlooked: www.weareoverlooked.com

Love146: http://skreened.com/love146

DCZ Beads and Designs: http://www.dczbeads.com/shop-3.html?vmcchk=1

Global Girlfriend: http://globalgirlfriend.com

Juxtaposie: www.juxtaposie.com

Pendant Star: http://pendantstar.com/

Butterfly Mama: http://www.butterflymama.com

Heaven’s Attic: http://www.heavensattic.co.uk/shop/jewellery/

The Hunger Site: http://shop.thehungersite.com/store

Global Goods Partners: http://www.globalgoodspartners.org

Autonomie Project: http://www.autonomieproject.com/

Pants to Poverty: http://www.pantstopoverty.com/

Green Heart: http://www.greenheartshop.org/

World of Good: http://worldofgood.ebay.com/

Bath and Body

Peace Keeper Cause-Metics: http://www.iamapeacekeeper.com/

Thistle Farms: http://www.thistlefarms.org/

Home and Play

Ten Thousand Villages: http://www.tenthousandvillages.com

Rugmark: www.rugmark.org

Made by Survivors: http://store.madebysurvivors.com/

Global Exchange: http://www.globalexchangestore.org

Fair Deal Trading: http://www.fairdealtrading.com/

Pillow Dreams Project: http://www.pillowdreamsproject.com/

Trade As One: https://tradeasone.com/shop/

Fair Trade Sports: http://retail.fairtradesports.amazonwebstore.com/

Good Weave: www.goodweave.org

Ethical Superstore: http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/

Food

Mai Thai Coffee: http://maithaicoffee.com/

Divine Chocolate: http://www.divinechocolateusa.com/

Equal Exchange: http://www.equalexchange.coop/

Alter Eco Fair Trade: http://www.altereco-usa.com

TransFair USA: http://www.transfairusa.org/

Fairtrade Labeling: http://www.fairtrade.net

Pristine Planet: http://www.pristineplanet.com