Australian school becomes first to have fair trade uniforms

Fair trade practices are spreading around the globe! 

Mashable reports that a Hazelbrook Public school just outside Sydney, Australia has become the first school in the country to have its school uniform certified fair trade garment maker, Change Threads. 

Photo courtesy of Change Threads

"Change Threads partnered with Indian cotton farmers and clothes producers to create the polo shirts for students that are in accordance with international Fair Trade standards. This means workers are paid a fair wage, long-term contracts are put in place, there is no forced or child labour and the materials are environmentally friendly," the article says.

You can read the article in its entirety here.

Help Love - And Gardens - Grow this Valentine's Day

Don't forget! There are two more days to donate to our Valentine's Day garden project.

During this season of love, it is our goal to provide each of our seamstresses with a gardening kit of their very own. The land in the Congo is lush, but without the proper tools, impossible to cultivate. That's where you come in. If you'd like to help us, please consider donating a small amount to this cause. your generosity and love means the world to us and the wonderful women we work with in the Congo.

When you donate, we will send you an email with a photo of the women and planted garden.

In addition, The Peace Exchange is offering our supporters 30% off all items from now until February 14th! Now is the perfect time to grab yourself and your sweetie a gift that gives back. Use code LV30 at checkout.

Thanks so much for helping lift the spirits of those in need.  We greatly appreciate your support.

Peace Exchange's Leadership Team Member is Making Waves

Did anyone see our very own Nina Francisco featured in the Huffington Post last week??

Her piece was a beautifully written demand for the UN to implement better programs to assist youth development around the world. She writes:

" ... now more than ever before, this younger generation is literally and figuratively hungry not just for change but sustainable change. Not only do they want to take ownership of their own futures, but they understand that development must benefit generations to come."

You can read her piece in its entirety here.

We are so proud of you Nina! Keep fighting, keep rocking, and keep making the world better!

Art Walk in Laguna Beach TONIGHT

It is once again time for First Thursdays Art Walk, one of our favorite times of the month!

If you plan to be in the Laguna Beach area tonight, be sure to stop by Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art (LGOCA) to not only see some of the brilliant artists exhibiting their work, but also to pay us a visit! The Peace Exchange will be there, selling merchandise and raffle tickets for a chance to win some truly incredible works of art. A $20 raffle ticket could win you a piece of art worth thousands of dollars!

Seconds, Minutes, Hours by Heather Roth

Artist Heather Roth has graciously donated three original works and several signed, limited edition prints to be auctioned. Winners will be announced at the October 1 Art Walk, so stay tuned!

5 Days 'til the Runway!

We are so so so excited for A Fair Trade Fashion Show, this Saturday, Aug. 29 at 6 p.m!

Come to the downtown L.A. Arts District and join us, Bead & Reel, the Arts District Co-Op, and wonderful designers as we show of just how fashionable fair trade can be. There will be snacks courtesy of Bohemia Food Truck, an open bar, a panel discussion featuring fair trade experts (including our own Katie Bond) and a rockin' all vegan fashion show.

Tickets can be purchased here for just $10. We can't wait to see you all there!

Congolese Artists Featured in New Parisian Exhibit

In a refreshing new perspective, Paris' Foundation Cartier has chosen to feature Congolese artists in it's new exhibit—Beauté Congo, 1926-2015—which was unveiled on July 11.

© Luc Boegly

For a country that is often the source of news stories regarding violence and poverty, it's wonderful to see the beauty and artistry that stems from the area receive recognition as well. The works in the exhibit span nearly 100 years, documenting a history of art that many people don't even know exists. Featured artists include contemporary painters Jean Paul Mika and Cheri Samba, as well as veteran creative minds such as the late photographer Jean Depara.

Jean Depara, Untitled, c. 1955-1965Collection Revue Noire, Paris © Jean Depara

The Foundation Cartier website describes the exhibit as follows:

"A place of extraordinary cultural vitality, the creative spirit of the Democratic Republic of the Congo will be honored in the exhibition Beauté Congo – 1926-2015 – Congo Kitoko presented at the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain with André Magnin, Chief Curator."

Beauté Congo will be on display at Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain until November 2015.

Tent Sale with Ten Thousand Villages

This past weekend, The Peace Exchange was thrilled to partner with Ten Thousand Villages Pasadena as a part of their anniversary tent sale—their largest sale to date.

As one of the world's largest and oldest fair trade organizations, Ten Thousand Villages has built incredible relationships with the fair trade community over the past 60 years, and their Pasadena retail location carries jewelry, rugs, clothing and more from more than 130 artisan groups from nearly 40 countries!

On Saturday, July 18, The Peace Exchange was one of those groups, offering merchandise at a 20% discount. Co-founder Katie Bond was on hand to discuss all things fair trade and, of course, check out the goodies from the other global artisans. It was the perfect opportunity to network with other organizations who are just as passionate about fair trade and get the word out about our mission and our products.

Thank you Ten Thousand Villages!