Is it eco-responsible to choose an Opportunity for Women product?
The last mile has the most impact
If we look at the carbon footprint of a product, surprise, transport is not the biggest item, but the last mile is decisive. Indeed, many deliveries are not optimized and the recipients are not always at home, which increases the back and forth. We have therefore chosen to work with La Poste, which has a well-established network and relies on post offices in the event of absence.
'Made in France' cushions?
The designation 'Made in France' means that the last stage of the product was made in France ('the product originates from the country where it underwent the last substantial transformation'), therefore our collections assembled in France: Dokmai cushions, Cim Lio , Wê Than & our pouches are 'Made in France'.
In textiles, very few products are 100% made in France! Indeed, France is the leading producer of linen (75% of world production), but there are no more linen spinning mills in France , the closest are in Poland! 80% of the linen produced in France is sent to China to be spun. Cotton does not grow in France ... so there is no locally produced fiber yet ! In addition, many zip components, threads are also mainly produced in Asia.
Therefore, if we consider new textile products, Opportunity for Women products have a carbon impact comparable to other products on the market.
What about the overall impact of Opportunity for Women products?
To truly assess a product's footprint, it's its global impact that must be evaluated from producer to consumer but also in the communities and environments of these stakeholders. This is also the work that was carried out La Belle Empreinte, the complete label for responsible objects, for the Dokmai collection.
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The impact on weavers
Allowing weavers to develop this activity that they already mastered for their personal use makes it possible to:
- combating rural exodus : creating jobs in villages & maintaining an environmentally friendly lifestyle (ethnic groups represent 5% of the population but preserve 80% of biodiversity)
- limit financial risks in the event of poor harvests (many people go into debt to buy pesticides or seeds from giants in developed countries)
- work from home and thus have flexibility: take care of the house, the children, go to the fields...
- Gaining independence : A group of weavers dream of not having to work for 'Vietnamese'
- finance his children's school thanks to his passion and know-how
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preserving cultures and know-how that are being lost , the patterns of the fabrics tell the story of these ethnic groups
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The impact on seamstresses
TrendEthics makes it a point of honor to have a responsible impact on its entire production chain and therefore works with seamstresses in reintegration in Seine Saint Denis and in precarious situations in Saigon ( FFSC ) and Phnom Penh ( PSE ). Thus these women and men have access to stable and decent employment. It is often the first time that they work with hand-woven fabrics and they learn new skills!
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The impact on responsible consumers
TrendEthics cushions, pouches, masks are unique! They each have their own story, a story that has been passed down from generation to generation and thus weave links between women around the world. These products are not perfect, they are not 100% identical, they are produced in small quantities and thus Opportunity for Women hopes to raise awareness among its customers about a production method that is more respectful of the environment and of people, adapted to a need and marked by a difference.
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The impact on the environment
For each product, Opportunity for Women patiently and determinedly chooses the raw materials that provide the best compromise between ecology, solidarity and convenience.
Thus 5 cooperatives use local cotton dyed with plants ( Luang Prabang , Dien Bien , Dak Dam, Dung Kno, Loikaw) and 2 cooperatives (Pleiku & Buon Ma Thuot) use locally produced polyester threads that are Oeko Tex certified.
The zips, labels and piping are produced in the country of seamstresses.
The interior of the polyester cushions (provided with the covers) is assembled in the Jura.
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The impact in Asia
Opportunity for Women proposes another mode of production than that offered by large Western companies. Local populations from ethnic groups are proud that their know-how is highlighted and appreciated in Europe. Those who may discriminate against these ethnic groups may be impressed by their products and want to buy them! This is therefore an opportunity to raise awareness of another mode of consumption.
We leave the conclusion to Gandhi: "My demand for truth itself taught me the beauty of compromise."
To listen to Lucie’s answers on the subject, go to Ticket for Change!