Green (and ethical) living: spotlight on Freeset bags

We vegetarians are always on the lookout for the most “in” vegan products and accesories: clothes, shoes, belts, bags and more. After taking a look at some of the facts at VegLiving’s “on animals for clothing” post here, many of us look to alternatives found at some great stores like the ones listed here.

Tonight’s feature shines the spotlight on an awesome company called Freeset that manufactures bags made of eco-friendly jute that can be found at a couple locations on web, including the well-known and loved AlternativeOutfitters.com. But, these aren’t any ordinary bags; these are the epitome of green-sourced, fair trade, anti-sweatship, freedom-supporting products. To help explain what’s so cool about the women who make these Freeset backpacks, handbags, wine bags and more, I’ll post a very moving excerpt from the tag of the messenger bag that I purchased from Freesetbags.co.uk.

“Freeset Bags: in business for freedom…

Your purchase of this Freeset Bag helps continue a journey of freedom. In Kolkata (Calcutta), thousands of women are trapped in prostitution, forced there by poverty. The Freeset women have chosen freedom by learning new skills at the Freeset business.

Their new lives include fair wages, healthy benefits, pension funds, literacy classes, and daycare for their children.

More importantly, they are no longer forced to sell their bodies, and their children have new opportunities.

This bag was created by Freeset women for you. You are now part of the journey.”

These bags are notable not only because they are fair-trade/hand-made in India, they are eco-friendly and made of natural jute, which is like a rope material. Not only this, the bags (see locations to purchase at Freesetglobal.com) are really cool and unique, with sizes and kinds for any occasion.

So, I wanted to share this with everyone as I think it’s a great company and I hope that others will think the same. It would definitely be great to hear from anyone who has purchased or is planning to purchase a Freeset bag; we’d love to know your experience.