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

-vanesa.

A Casa Fox has invited Via Nativa to show the newest lines from Argentina and of course favorites from Nicaragua for the holiday season.  Receive a free gift with purchase!

Join us Saturday, 29 November at 12:30 pm for a Latin fused brunch of mint mimosas and savory mini empanadas at the only Nicaraguan inspired restaurant in all of New York City!

A Casa Fox is located on 173 Orchard St.  View Map

Here’s a link to the article I’ve meaning to blog about for a while. NY Times, 14 September 2008

Potters for Peace or Ceramica por la Paz is an organization based in Nicaragua which we have worked with to create tea cups, mugs and espresso cups. Last September Potters for Peace was mentioned in an article about a determined, yet incredibly practical man, Ron Rivera. Along with Potters for Peace he produced ceramic water filters to purify water in countries where a strong percentage of the population does not have daily access to clean, potable water. He lived in Managua, Nicaragua since the 80′s and passed away in early September.

Ron Rivera

Please read the article which I archived above. It goes into greater depth about his achievements and work with Potters for peace.

Martin Robleto of Potters for Peace

When we started our work with artisans exactly two years ago; Martin (pronounced, Martine) was one of the first we met and collaborated with in Nicaragua. Potters for peace is an organization which commenced as a result of the Iran Contra Affair. …Where to put it simply, pro-socialist or Sandanistas and anti-socialists or Contras fought against each other in the 80′s. It is estimated that 30,000 Nicaraguans died in the war. The organization is almost entirely run by Veterans of the “Contra” war in Nicaragua, hence the name Potters for Peace.

Here are some of the ceramics we have created with Potters for Peace:

'Artisan' Mugs: great for tea, or a nice cold beer Sold Out

Espresso Cups

Tea Cups With Filter

Paz,

Alessandra