From the top, Fair Trade Winds in Maine, Green Nest in Virginia and Worldwide Market Square in Massachusetts — To view a complete list of stores where you can find Via Nativa jewelry click here.
Ecouterre, “a website devoted to the future of sustainable fashion design,” wrote an excellent article, “Via Nativa’s Fair-Trade, Sustainable Wood Jewelry Are Natural Treasures”. “Chockfull of organic curves, smooth finishes, and inviting woodgrain, each Via Nativa piece carries with it the story of an honest living and the natural splendor that surrounds us.” And best of all, “Via Nativa’s hand-carved wooden jewelry is way better than any homemade daisy chain and far less ephemeral.” — That’s just the thing about Via Nativa: while our designs are fresh and bold, they are always classic, for any time of the year!
We use only 100% recycled hang tags printed with soy inks & plantain leaf paper (shown) handmade in Nicaragua.
We are now using linseed oil or pure tung oil for all our wood jewelry. Pure tung oil is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use on wood bowls and other items which can be used for food. The oil leaves a matte yet rich finish. The tung tree originated in China but can now be found in the US and Argentina. Linseed oil comes from a plant that was first found in India and the Mediterranean region. The artisans extract the oil from the plants and use them on their crafts. Linseed oil also known as flax seed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids (very, very healthy, indeed). You might just want to eat your jewelry! Not recommended though, as you will inevitably break your teeth chewing into a Burbuja Ring, shown below!
Ground Flax Seed
Pure Tung Oil
Burbuja Ring Reclaimed Wood... Mmm Tasty!
I just heard this clip on the radio and wanted to share. She raised money on her own to travel 5,000 miles away to speak at the United Nations. She is now 29 and lives in Canada.
“Not only are Via Nativa’s artisans fairly paid and treated with respect but the company also donates food, clothing and medicine to these rural villages twice a year. It’s kinda like the premium version of fair trade.” Click here to read more!
Monday, I rented a car and drove to Ciudad Sandino, where the factory of Simplemente Madera is located; just a few kilometers outside of Managua. Simplemnte Madera designs and manufactures elegant yet simple and eco friendly furniture. I decided why not take their left over wood and deliver it to the artisans we are working with. Now, they can make jewelry with wood that wasn’t going to be used. See below for photos from my trip to Simplemente Madera.
Simplemente Madera Factory
Views from Ciudad Sandino
Model House
Ripios de Madera or Left Over Wood
Yes, Via Nativa has been accepted by Co-op America and we are extremely happy to be one of just a few fair trade businesses in New York City to be approved by the network.
A few months ago we learned about this not-for profit organization that helps socially and environmentally responsible businesses emerge and we thought it would be wonderful if Via Nativa could take part in this green network.
We are very proud of our membership and we plan on continuing our efforts for economic justice for artisans through fair trade.
For more information please visit Co-op America
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