How do you think you would handle working in a sweatshop? In 2014, a handful of young, Norwegian, fashion lovers traveled to Cambodia to find out.

“Aftenposten,” the largest newspaper in Norway, taped a five-part web series that followed three fashion lovers: 17-year-old Anniken Jørgensen, 19-year-old Frida Ottesen, and 20-year-old Ludvig Hambro.

The news organization taped the five-part reality series as the young trio traveled to Phnom Penh. Once in Cambodia, the visitors experienced how a Cambodian textile worker lived and worked.

While at the beginning of the series, the fashionistas were enthusiastic to be experiencing a new country and culture, reality quickly set in for the visitors.

The subjects of the series stayed with Sokty, a Cambodian factory worker. Sokty lives in a very small, cramped apartment in the city. At first, the visitors assume that she’s happy with her living experience, as they think she doesn’t know anything else. They quickly discover, though, that Sokty is not happy with her life and she wants better for herself.

In addition to discovering that Sokty couldn’t even afford a shirt because it was $35 more than a month’s rent, the three travelers discovered the following:

— The fashion lovers worked a shift in a garment factory. Only a few hours into the shift, the Norwegians were totally exhausted. They each had to stitch the same stitch over and over again, and were working in a facility without a fan, toilet paper, or comfortable chairs (many of the workers choose to stand rather than sit). One of the Norwegians points out that other factories in the region are most likely worse.

“The awful truth is that this is one of the few places the actually let us in… I wonder how other places are, where we’re not welcome.” — Hambro

— After the visitors’ shift, they had to feed everyone on the television crew with what they made: $3 each. With only using the $9 they collectively earned, they could only afford a “thin vegetable soup with a few morsels of chicken.”

In the end, the Norwegians were incredibly aggravated and irritated with big fashion chains that don’t pay workers liveable wages.

Have any of you checked out the web series? What did you think about what you saw? Are you going to change your shopping habits?

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Resource

Reality Show Sends Young Fashionistas to Work in Cambodian Sweatshop

Image: Danijel James

The post A Dose of Reality at a Sweatshop: Norwegian Fashion Lovers Get an Eye-Opening Experience appeared first on EcoSalon.

Made from the fibrous stems of the lotus flower, this exclusive, waterproof material is created entirely by hand through a completely sustainable process. 

Lotus flowers are the symbol of divine purity in many Asian cultures, appearing in the hands of the sacred Buddha. The lotus flower has played a major part in Asian folklore, and is a particularly important icon in the homes of many weavers. The material created from the stems of the lotus flower is described as a cross between silk and linen, and was historically used to make robes for high-ranking Buddhist monks. This unique and soft material is breathable, wrinkle-free, naturally stain-resistant, and waterproof due to its aquatic origin.

The main harvest of lotus flowers for weaving occurs by the giant lake of Kamping Poy near Battambang, Camobdia. Lotus flowers have been farmed on this lake for several generations, mostly for the extraction and sale of the seeds or seedheads of the flower. The area surrounding the lake is the only one place in the world currently host to lotus fabric weaving. Recognized as an old Burmese tradition, lotus fabric weaving was brought to village of Kyaing-kan in 2009 by Awen Delavel, a French designer and founder of eco-fashion label Samatoa.  He has been working with local women in order to provide them with the skills to produce the fabric and create a local economy that they can rely and make wages on.

The pink and white flowers of the aquatic perennial spread through thousands of bodies of water in Cambodia, and are harvested during the rainy season from June to November. The stems of the lotus flowers are gathered by younger women in the mornings, who then use a shallow knife to bunch, cut and snap  5-6 stems at once, revealing 20-30 fine white filaments of fiber. These filaments are drawn out of the stem, hung to dry and then rolled into a single thread 100-yards in length. A meticulous and time-consuming process, around 25 thread makers are required to keep one weaver busy.

Weaving the fabric occurs through established craft cooperatives that take on weavers according to seasonal need. Although a weaver’s wages are low, partaking in an activity that is regarded as meritorious makes it an attractive option for many women. The lotus fiber threads are woven on a traditional Thai or Burmese frame loom which produces a narrow cloth at 24 inches wide.

The fabric is woven in 100-yard batches, and it takes about a month and a half to complete one batch. Its estimated that around 32,000 lotus stems are required to make just 1.09 yards of fabric and 120,000 stems are required for one outfit, making the textile extremely exclusive. After weaving, the fabric is dyed with natural dyes and every part of the precious material is utilized in some way. Leftover scraps of yarn are twisted into the wicks of pagoda lamps, and remnant pieces of fabric are made into sequin-studded robes for mini-Buddha statues.

Currently sold through Samatoa’s website, lotus flower fabric is available in light red, green, yellow, chocolate, orange and light purple colors. Samatoa is recognized as an eco-friendly textile mill and design house, as it is providing Cambodian women with highly regarded textile crafting skills. Founder Awen Delavel has also set up The Lotus Center in Battambang, which provides a venue for the experimentation of research on lotus fibers and sub products. Although garments made from lotus fabric are not readily available on the current market, Italian company Loro Piana does plan to sell scarves and blazers made from the material at around $6,000 a piece. Although exclusive and obviously expensive – could lotus flower fibers provide an alternative to waterproof synthetics?

Images: cleong, Samatoa

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Basic dishes you might consider getting on a plane for. 

Travel isn’t travel without eating. You can’t get to know a place without tasting the local specialties, and food is often one of the best mediums to explore a culture. Be it in a market, on the street, at a restaurant, or in someone’s home, food gives us a very personal look into another culture. Sure, not all your travel culinary experiences are always good ones, but even when you try a local food that doesn’t suite your palate (pickled herring isn’t for everyone) at the very least, it makes for a good story.

When you travel, it can be fun to choose one local food to always go after. In my experience, being on the hunt for something in particular often leads to interesting adventures. Whether you like to travel to eat, or are just looking for an excuse to plan a summer trip, here are eight local meals worth traveling for.

1. Socca: Nice, France

The local street food of Nice, socca is a crepe made from garbanzo bean flour. While street food often makes its way around the world – you can get a döner kebab in just about any city –  socca is a little harder to track down. Even in Paris, there’s only one guy making it. Here are a few recommendations on some of the best ones you can find in Nice. Just make sure to get a chilled glass of rose while you’re at it.

2. Pho: Hanoi, Vietnam

Pho is one of those dishes that has made a name for itself outside of its homeland. In most food metropolises it’s easy to track down a few Vietnamese restaurants that top local foodies’ list of recommended places. But pho is best consumed on a hot street corner in Hanoi, sitting on a small plastic chair and drinking a cold beer. Go all out on the dish of garnishes that is served with it: a bowl full of broth, cilantro and lime is a good thing.

3. Stroopwaffel: Netherlands

A bike ride in Amsterdam followed by a stroopwaffel: is there any better way to spend a trip? Stroopwaffels are cookies made from two layers of thin waffles and held together by a sweet caramel. They’re all over Amsterdam, both sold in bags and packages at stores and markets as well as larger versions as street food. Hint: the day before you head home, go to the local grocery store and buy a few packages to take home with you. They’re that addictive.

4. Asado: Argentina

They’re not for the vegetarian, but asados are acclaimed events, barbecuing many kinds of meats at one time. Argentina is known for its steak, and raised on wild grasslands, you’re assured a leaner meat than standard feedlot-fed US cattle. Try a traditional asado in Patagonia, grilled by local gauchos.

5. Smørrebrød: Denmark

The Danish open-faced sandwich is one you’ll find on almost any traditional Danish menu. It’s a buttered piece of rye bread topped with an assortment of options, from cured meats to cheese. For a truly Scandinavian meal, get one with shrimp and pair it with a local light beer.

6. Accras: French Caribbean

Most Caribbean countries have some form of the accras, a fritter made from fish or shrimp. Accras de morue are popular appetizers in Guadeloupe and Martinique. The word “accra” is most commonly used in the French-speaking part of the Caribbean, but you will also see them listed as fritters in the English-speaking parts. You’ll often find them served as street food and they make for a great snack.

7. Pa amb tomaquet: Barcelona, Spain

Bread rubbed with olive oil and tomato might sound basic, but sometimes, it’s the simplest foods that are the best. Such is the case with Pa amb tomaquet, the classic Catalan dish (pan con tomate in Spanish) that you’ll find in almost any tapas bar. The oilier and juicer the better. If a place does it well, you can be sure that the rest of their menu will be up to par.

8. Amok Trey: Cambodia

This popular Khmer dish is made of steamed fish and coconut milk. With an emphasis on zesty flavors, it has a softer and less spicy taste than most curries. The fish is wrapped with other ingredients in a banana leaf and steamed in the coconut milk.

Images: katinalynn, Tran’s World Productions, sindy, dr_pablogonzalez, fredrikrynde, SnippyHolloW, Jen SFO-BCN, Ben Yapp

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Edgy jewelry made by local artisans in five countries, using materials like naturally discarded buffalo horn and reclaimed bombshells.

When launching her new jewelry label, Edge of Ember, designer Lynette Ong knew she wanted to ensure the pieces were not only going to be beautiful, but also made in the most ethical way possible. “The inspiration for Edge of Ember first came to me two years back when I was in Ubud, Bali where there were tons of silversmiths and art workshops,” says Ong. “Most of them had an open workshop concept where customers could see the artisans working on these uniquely handcrafted pieces. I found these gorgeous works of art absolutely amazing. Yet with the overwhelming trend in the marketplace towards mass production, customers get either machine-lasered fare from factories or designer handmade items that were exorbitantly priced.”

Fueled by a desire to share the stories and skills of these local artisans with the rest of the world, Ong, who was living in Hong Kong at the time, traveled extensively though Asia to find and form parnerships with the five local non-profit, fair trade organizations and artisan groups in Cambodia, Nepal, Vietnam and Indonesia that she works with today.

Designer Ong has not had any formal design training, and calls the brand’s aesthetic a reflection of her personal style. “I have always loved jewelry,” she says. “I think accessories complete an outfit and showcase an individual’s personality. But it was only when the Edge of Ember idea came to me that I started dabbling with jewelry design. I love combining simple, classic pieces and bolder jewelry to create a look that is versatile enough to wear for both casual and formal occasions.”

Edge of Ember’s first collection is called SARAT (which is the Khmer word for “beauty”) and features handmade jewelry pieces from Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam, with organic hand-hammered metals, bold geometric studs and ethnic-inspired tassels that are accompanied by an elegant mix of crystals and pearls. “The studs and spikes give an edgy and raw feel that I translated from bustling developing cities like Phnom Penh and Hanoi, the crystals set in antique-plated bezels show a hint of vintage and Art Deco, and the pearls and tassels add a touch of old school glamour,” says Ong. “I like to contrast the edgy and feminine, and the ethnic and the contemporary in pieces.”

The matte gold plated geometric studs and spikes used in many pieces are made from bombshells rescued from Cambodian land. The local artisans Edge of Ember work with are all part of the Rajana Association, a fair trade organization that helps create jobs for skilled craftspeople. The horn bangles are made in Vietnam, where local artisans use naturally discarded buffalo horn to delicately create these stunning pieces. All hammered pieces – which are Edge of Ember’s signature style – are made in Indonesia, where artisans meticulously hammer metals by hand to create the soft-textures, versatile pieces.

The brand also gives back to the local communities where their artisans live and work by channeling 10% of all proceeds into the Ember Project, the brand’s philanthropic arm. The Ember Project sponsors projects that focus on issues affecting women and children, and charities that address the problems women face because of the inherent gender inequality in these developing countries. Two of the initiatives, Daughters of Cambodia and Shakti Samuha in Nepal, rescues women from prostitution and sex trafficking and provides them with the skills to sustain their new lifestyle, while the specific Room to Read program by the Girls’ Education Program in Vietnam, helps young girls to complete their secondary education.

Says Ong: “I see these pieces on a confident, stylish woman who isn’t afraid of having fun or taking risks, who can throw together a perfect outfit from seemingly disparate elements and is assertive, intelligent and socially conscious.”

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Bohemian chic jewelry from a socially responsible brand dedicated to empowering women through design and sustainable economic opportunities.

Founded by Kirsten Dickerson, a former set and wardrobe stylist, and Sophia Lin, who made a name for herself in graphic design, Raven + Lily is a humanitarian, fairtrade and eco-friendly line of accessories and stationery founded on do-good principles. Dickerson and Lin share a close friendship and passion for fashion and ethical design, and envision Raven + Lily as a platform to utilize those passions to alleviate poverty among women.

The brand’s current collections feature exclusive handmade and eco-friendly jewelry and accessories from North India, Ethiopia and Cambodia. The beauty of each design reflects the values, skill and culture of the woman who made it, and you can learn more about the artisans on Raven + Lily’s website.

By providing a sustainable source of income, these partnerships seek to empower women artisans who have been victims of trafficking, marginalized from society, or suffer from HIV. Raven + Lily uses 100% of their profits from sales to achieve their social cause: empowering women through design.  This means employing these marginalized women, but also launching new partnerships and funding microloans, healthcare and educational needs in their partnership communities.

The Ethiopia Collection is comprised of bohemian chic statement necklaces, earrings and bracelets crafted with handmade beads and charms from melted bullet casings and vintage silver coins. It’s made by HIV-positive women in Ethiopia.

The India Collection features gorgeous recycled cotton papers, hand-carved wood journals, metallic leather jewelry and hand-milled natural soaps. This collection empowers marginalized women in Northern India.

Raven + Lily’s new artisan group, located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, specializes in creating beautiful pieces out of materials like naturally-dyed remnant jersey and hand-loomed cotton. These locally made raw materials also help employ community based weaving families and the craftsmen who produce them, many of whom are HIV positive or have formerly been victims of trafficking and abuse.

Feel good about buying something you know helps give back and empower women all over the world. And look good wearing it too!

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If these photos don’t make you wanna quit your job and travel the world, we don’t know what will.

Asia’s diversity never fails to astound. Nowhere on Earth can you find a greater variety of cultures, languages, races, ethnicities, religions, climates, and geography. It’s mind-numbing.

These photos provide just a taste of what Asia has to offer. They’re also an important reminder of the need to protect what makes the world’s largest continent unique. Though the scenes depicted here may seem worlds away, our choices always have an impact wherever we may roam, reminding us to tread lightly.

(above) Penang, Malaysia

Bangkok, Thailand

Great Wall, China

Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Hong Kong

Polomok, Philippines

Bali, Indonesia

Maldive Islands

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Lhasa, Tibet

Huashan Mountain, China

Udaipur, India

Cassava farm near Luang Prabang, Laos

Bali, Indonesia

Singapore

Koh Samui, Thailand

Tokyo, Japan

Tainan County, Taiwan

Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Seoul, South Korea

Abseron, Azerbaijan

Busan, South Korea

Kampong Thum, Cambodia

Shanghai, China

Himalaya Mountains, Uttarakhand, India

Binh Thuan, Vietnam

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Meizhou, China

Koh Samet, Thailand

Dornogovi Province, Mongolia, from the Trans-Siberian Railway

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ratchaburi, Thailand

Yangon, Myanmar

Eastern Vasayas, Philippines

Makalu Base Camp, Nepal

Kyoto, Japan

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Elephant orphanage between Colombo and Kandy, Sri Lanka

Angkor Wat, Cambodia 

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In southern Vietnam, the population depends on healthy farming for its livelihood, but several factors challenge that goal: discharged animal agricultural waste into open gutters and community waterways, as well as using traditional fuels  – such as wood and coal for cooking – which causes deforestation, hurting land productivity through drought, flooding and erosion.

The solution? Biodigestion, a method for treating animal waste to produce a  methane-based biogas that can be used for cooking or lighting. This source of clean and renewable energy aimed at helping some 50 families is being funded by people like you and I through Ecodana.

The San Francisco-based for profit social enterprise is seeking to better the lives of the poor in rural areas around the world by identifying and facilitating funding for sustainable projects in their communities. In terms of acquiring the biogas systems, the funds raised will cover the subsidy ($11) and training provided with each installation ($9) bringing the cost per family at $20.

Ecodana has a number of ongoing sustainable grassroots projects around the world, and depends largely on the internet to spread the word and get people involved.

Recycle Plastic to Fund Scholarships: In rural Vietnam, this program was set up to reward schools for raising the environmental awareness of theirs students by collecting plastic waste and recycling it. Over 100 million tons of trash accumulates in the country each year with only a small fraction being picked up.

Building Dry Composting Latrines in Guatemala and Cambodia: Coming to the rescue of families who mostly rely on Pit toilets – shallow holes in the ground that are breeding grounds for disease-carrying flies, parasites and other microorganisms that spread cholera, typhoid and infectious hepatitis. The latrines are ecologically-sound and in high demand in areas prone to flooding during the rain season.

Ecodana was founded by filmmaker and photographer Marc Henrich in 2008, who was raised in five countries and speaks several languages which helps his international awareness. The idea for these grassroots projects was sparked when he moved his family to Laos and became involved with Sunlabob, a renewable energy company.

In creating his global grassroots mission, he located various partners in the areas he is helping. They include Thien Chi (Goodwill), an independently operated Vietnamese non-profit organization helping with the agricultural projects; the Cambodian-based charity MaD; and the Asociacion Amigas del Sol, a multi-ethnic women’s organization promoting communities in the southwestern coastal region of Guatemala. The projects chosen are often overlooked by larger organizations as too insignificant, but they can make a big difference in lives, according to Ecodana.

“We believe these small grassroots projects can be hugely influential and deserve to be supported,” says Henrich. “By harnessing the power of technology, we can bypass the issues of large institutional giving and get people directly involved with grassroots projects anywhere in the world.”

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