Sourcing Trip: Eco-conscious, Responsible, Ethically Handmade Rugs

To live meaningfully is to improve the lives of others by what you do. By supporting the art of the craftsman, you foster creative communities all around the world. More than that, you encourage artisans to think creatively, to see the beauty of their tradition and to nurture passion in their art. Our everyday choices truly affect those around us. Knowing that our things come from good and our money goes to the greater good, we feel a sense of fulfilment.

 

This is the core of our brand's ethos.

We take a closer look as to what each of these labels and certification stands for and why it matters greatly for us in the sourcing chain of our business.  

                       

Our rugs are certified GoodWeave. In order to earn the GoodWeave label, rug exporters must be licensed under the GoodWeave certification program and sign a legally binding contract to adhere to GoodWeave’s no-child-labour standard. To ensure compliance, independent GoodWeave inspectors make unannounced inspections of each loom. If inspectors find children working, they offer them the opportunity to go to school instead. Producers who do not adhere to the standard lose their status with GoodWeave. To protect against counterfeit labelling, each label is numbered so its origin can be traced. We also help support GoodWeave and its commitment to provide rehabilitation and schooling for all rescued children. 0.25% of the export value of each rug goes toward monitoring, inspections and educational programs. 

   

                         

 That little green frog really gets around and that’s good news for people and the planet. These days, you can find the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal on a rapidly growing list of products and services, including coffee, chocolate, tea, fruit, flowers, paper, furniture and tourism lodges.

 

Products bearing the seal originate on or contain ingredients sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms or forests. These farms and forests are managed according to rigorous environmental, social and economic criteria designed to conserve wildlife; safeguard soils and waterways; protect workers, their families and local communities; and increase livelihoods in order to achieve true, long-term sustainability. You help families improve their standard of living and encourage crafts to blossom.

 

We mean it when we say handmade. Our rugs are certified Craftmark, given to those who produce authentic craft-based handmade items in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. It is an initiative that sets sector-wide minimum standards and norms for labelling a product as an authentic 'handicraft'.

Acting as a link between the rural craft and the consumer, Craftmark enables the development of craftsmen and women into higher skill levels. It helps communities and families to improve their standard of living and encourages crafts to blossom. Our rugmakers had to undergo a rigorous process of assessment including on-site monitoring and an independent and transparent review by a panel consisting of leaders from the crafts sector.

 

With every rug you buy, you contribute a lot towards the artisan community, a heritage which is thousands of years old and a craft which supports thousands of families. To the happy owners of Living DNA rugs, know that your purchase goes a long way.

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