‘Pairing volunteer designers with our partnerships abroad is a pilot program of Global Goods Partners that began about six months ago. This pilot program is progressing just one aspect of GGP’s objective to provide additional technical support to our community based organizations (CBO) around the world. Through this program, GGP strives to expand the impact of these artisans with limited resources by providing the support needed, i.e. lack of fashion trends in the States.

Alessandra participates in this program and works with El Hombre Sobre La Tierra in Mexico. We sat down with her to learn more about her journey to this involvement and what she has learned so far.’  Click here to read more!

Boston, Massachusetts will host the largest Fair Trade conference in North American history this September!  I’ll be going to the conference with other NYC Fair Trade Coalition volunteers.  We’ll have the chance to meet producers and artisans, listen to speakers of the Fair Trade movement and even debates!  Click here for the conference schedule.  Visit the Fair Trade Futures website for more information.

Choose from 4 colorways — Get 50% off NOW! Via Nativa will not carry anymore hammocks as we have decided to focus on salvaged wood jewelry.  Be one of the last to sit in a true treasure from Nicaragua!

The Fair Trade Federation has launched a new tool to explain the Fair Trade business model and inspire others to adopt trading practices that distribute power, risks, and rewards more equitably.

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!

Fair & Square has a simple vision. To be New York City’s first Fair Trade bar serving wine, beer & artisanal liquors.  Along with a fellow volunteer at the NYC Fair Trade Coalition, we have decided to add our business idea to Pitch.co — Maybe they can help us get it off the ground, but only you can help us get it started by voting for us at pitcho.co!

If you like to have a couple drinks with friends, why not do it with a conscience?  If you’re sure you want to help alleviate poverty, a drink at Fair & Square is one small way…

Vote for us by clicking on the link above or by clicking on the image below!

Fair & Square, drink for a change!

All of us from the NYC Fair Trade Coalition had a great time meeting new people and spreading awareness of Fair Trade and what you can do to support Fair Trade.  …Not only can you get involved in the NYC Fair Trade Coalition but you can also view a map to see where you can purchase Fair Trade products all over New York City!

We got a huge crowd for Fair Trade coffee & chocolate samples from Think! Coffee & Equal Exchange!

Just in time for spring: three new necklaces!  Bold yet simple; they can be worn with almost any ensemble, at any time of day.

A simple statement ring is the simplest way to put it.  With its minimal lines one can focus more on wood tone and grain while admiring its warm curves.

Thanks to all of the lovely people who made purchases and supported us! I will email all buyers shortly with updates on their orders.  Of course, feel free to contact me anytime for anything at all at: alessandra@vianativa.com.

A big thanks to the great Jasmere team! They are unbelievably helpful and supportive and sooooo energetic and enthusiastic!

Via Nativa also got a great write up from a fair trade supporter; check out The Hidden List!

We use only 100% recycled hang tags printed with soy inks & plantain leaf paper (shown) handmade in Nicaragua.