Local store celebrates 15 years of fair trade
The only fair trade non-profit store in the state of Utah, Global Village Gifts, is marking its 15th anniversary this year right here in Cache Valley.
The store is part of the Fair Trade Federation which means the store pays a living wage to its producers in developing countries, fights against child labor, respects the environment and gives opportunities to disadvantaged creators.
“Something that I love about our products are that they are made with sustainability in mind,” said store manager Clarissa Swain. “A lot of the items utilize upcycled or recycled materials. We have animals made from old flip flops, glasses made from discarded wine bottles, bags, dishcloths and throws made from used saris. The list goes on.”
Swain said the store also has a lot of products that use earth-friendly alternatives to standard materials such as tree-free paper made from recycled cotton or elephant poop.
“Elephants are inefficient digesters, so the fibrous materials in their waste can be washed and turned into a pulp just like regular paper made from trees,” Swain said.
Artisans for Global Village Gifts come from all over the world and Swain said they are paid a fair price for their work.
“I love the focus that fair trade has on empowering women. A large percentage of our products are made by women artisans,” she said. “Some of them have escaped sex trafficking, some have been striped of opportunity because of the social norms of their communities or because of sexism. They all have unique backgrounds and unique challenges. Fair trade gives them an opportunity to build a life for themselves and be independent.”
Global Village Gifts was the brainchild of then 71-year-old Sally Keller who began her interest in fair trade in 1994.
“I’ve been retired now for six years,” Keller, now 86, said. “A poster in the store details my history as the founder and since I left, there have been multiple managers.”
Keller explained that at first the store started as an extension of the alternative gift market at Logan’s First Presbyterian Church. Julie Barker, a current board member, said she has been with Keller since the beginning.
“I assisted with store operations, coordinating volunteers and was a part of the board of directors. When Sally retired, I was instrumental in getting the store moved to its current location. It was a tremendous undertaking but has proven to be a great location,” Barker said.
Barker grew up overseas and has traveled to many of the countries where the handicrafts for the store are made. Swain started volunteering before she became the current store manager and says that she has seen a lot of change over the years.
“The community has shown us that there is a strong demand for ethical products and a unique shopping experience. Global Village was run exclusively by volunteers for nine years. It has grown so much since its beginnings and it is a continual effort to evolve with the needs of the store and keep up with the changing dynamics.”
Global Village Gifts can be found at 69 East 100 North in Logan.
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