Fairtrade, Organic Cotton Multipurpose Bags

 Raw material –. Most of the organic cotton comes from India where up to 95% of the water for the crops is provided by monsoonal rains. This natural supply of water also reduces the need for fossil fuel driven irrigation machinery. All crops are hand sewn and harvested without the use of fossil fuels. The cotton used for the bags is certified organic by SKAL and certified Fair Trade

All cotton is fair trade and certified organic purchased from Fairtrade certified sources in India. It is purchased from co-operatives of family owned farms where possible through an organization that works with 180 small scale farmers and is currently training 125 students in organic sustainable farming methods. 

Natural farming methods are used to grow the cotton. Farmers use chilli, garlic and soap instead of expensive and harmful chemicals to repel pests, which can then be eaten by chickens or other birds. Insect traps can be used to detect when levels of infestation are rising, allowing farmers to time their applications to gain the best effect. This saves the farmers up to 3000 rupees (US$75.00) per acre. At this organization the women are paid the same as the men - and they all receive a pension, health insurance and good medical facilities.

 Manufacturing – Fairtrade cotton products are manufactured by a non-profit rehabilitation program in Southern India. The company is the first of its kind and it is run by nuns, where young women are employed who are economically disadvantaged, have disabilities or are considered unfit for marriage by their families. 

These products are manufactured in premises that are audited by Fair Trade to monitor their ethical practices.

 Distribution – Wherever possible cotton is grown, ginned, woven, sewn & sent from regions within close proximity to minimize transport emissions during manufacture.

Products are shipped via sea freight to their point of distribution in Australia. Distribution related emissions are offset.

Products purchased online are distributed via Australia Post.

 Product use – The bags help reduce the number of plastic bags used. They are robust and will last for years. They can also be used for advertising / marketing purposes as the natural colour provides an ideal background for logos or slogans.

 Waste management – Cotton is biodegradable. The bags are not excessively packaged and packaging used can be reused and recycled.