I recently stumbled upon a cool store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, that sold amazing messenger bags, purses and makeup bags made from recycled rice bags from Cambodia. When I found out the bags helped provide sustainable living to Cambodian artists, I bought up a dozen to use for myself and for gifts.
The story behind the company that introduced these cosmetic bags to the United States is fascinating. Kimberley Person founded Gecko Traders in 1999 to help provide employment for needy people in other countries, many of whom were victims of landmines, prostitution and poverty in general. What I love about these cosmetic bags are that they are not only made out of recycled rice bags and therefore good for the environment, they help sustain fair trading practices across the world.
My plan to to use my bags (they come in all shapes and sizes) for future gifts. I'll either give them away in trios, wrapped together with pretty (and all-natural) raffia, or I'll fill them with my favorite all-natural beauty products. I might print out and include a few homemade face mask recipes which are so popular with my friends.
Gecko Trader bags are featured in the March 2007 issue of Domino Magazine, which is entirely focused on the environment (Domino, by the way, is perhaps my all-time favorite magazines. I encourage you to check it out -- it's hip, young and all about decorating). Model Shalom Harlow is quoted as saying she uses Gecko Trader's grocery tote when shopping. Now I think I'll have to get one of my own.
To shop these cosmetic bags (pictured right), check out their Website, email them at info@geckotraders.com, or contact them the old fashioned way:
2499 N. Harrison St. LL-1
Arlington, VA 22207
Phone: 703.533.3939
Fax: 703.533.8840
