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At last, our new drawstring club bags have arrived!

These awesome bags are made in India from 100% Fairtrade Certified organic cotton. Their journey starts in organic cotton fields in Indore (Madhya Pradesh, central India) where the farm and the farmers are Fairtrade Certified. The harvested cotton-seed is processed in world class facilities in Vapi (Gujarat, about 200km north of Mumbai) where it is spun into thread, woven into cloth and finally coloured yellow, using processes that ensure the dyes do not harm the environment. Every process after this is done by hand – from cutting out the cloth and printing the designs to stitching and packaging – by the team at Creative Garments Pvt Limited, which is based in Daman, about 12kms away.

The company’s Executive Director, Mr K N Singh, says: “Fairtrade and organic materials are already being made into shopping baskets and table linen, sparking dinner conversations across the globe. The demand for these products is already redefining the world’s understanding of responsible products.”

Mr Amit Bhasin, the company’s Business Head, believes that supporting even the smallest effort in promoting such products and the drive for a sustainable world –regardless of all odds – is worthwhile. "A growing number of companies are recognizing the importance of responsible and transparent sourcing. They are introducing more inclusive value chains and procurement processes that create opportunities for poor people in developing countries. Fairtrade makes a very large and direct difference to the lives of the farmers and workers who are part of the whole process.”

The Group’s Chairman, Mr Vijay Agarwal, strongly believes that "projects like this have a unique ability to bring the issue of international trade and the importance of enterprise-driven (as opposed to charity-driven) approaches to the attention of consumers, businesses and retailers alike and help to control poverty and improve livelihoods along the complete supply chain. Clients such as The Minimal Footprint Company and dirtgirlworld help us to have this kind of opportunity.”

And what difference does making these bags make to the staff at Creative Garments? The following are some real stories of the workers there:

Salma (responsible for treating the colors of panels) “Thanks to Allah, I have this great opportunity to work [here]. Unfortunately, many of my friends elsewhere are still deprived of basic working conditions like water and music, or they are working on the floor and have long working hours. I’m very fortunate to work in a place which is secure and at the same time ensures our well being". "The pictures of babies are very nice. During the making of this bag, I have often recalled my childhood days. At that time we never had enough money to buy toys or pictures, so we used to make dolls on the sand at the sea shore, which were always washed away by water. Today, I’m feeling happy working on such products. It helps me to recall my childhood days".

Venkat (responsible for fixing the colours) "I came here from South India, from a place that has many coconut trees. I used to work for a company making coir mattresses. I worked there for more than 16 hours non-stop [every day], but still could not make enough money. At the same time, my health deteriorated because of long working hours. For the last year, I’m working here 8 hours per day, 6 days a week, having regular breaks – and making more money! I heard this company has very good customers and since they take care of my company, my company takes care of me".

Lalhan (responsible for stitching the bags) “I’ve been working here for 16 years. When I migrated here from my native place (Bihar) I had only my dreams; my dreams to have a better livelihood for me and my family. Today, I have my own house near to the factory. I would not have learnt and grown in my life if this company had not grown". "I will give a dirtgirlworld bag to my 5 year old daughter Gudiya and one to my son Charan. It will be a school bag for Gudiya to hold her water bottle and lunch tiffin [lunch box] and a football bag for Charan. It’s difficult for him to hold his school bag and football at the same time, but with this bag, he can easily shoulder the football and maybe his dream of being a football player will come true".

the dirtgirlworld eco-store is grateful to the management and staff of Creative Garments for sharing their stories and to Bronwyn Darlington of the Minimal Footprint Company for collecting them.