Hand-Knit Socks Providing Sustainable Solutions To Poverty In India
These colorful socks started with the idea to make a difference in the lives of those in need. FAZL was founded by Vanessa and Mike, with a goal to care for impoverished children in India, while also providing an income for women living in destitution.
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SOCIAL IMPACT
Every purchase of Fazl socks helps provide orphans and vulnerable children in India with basic essentials like food, shelter, education, and clothing. 50% of profits go toward supporting children’s homes that care for the children in need. With 30% of the world’s poorest children living in India, there are a staggering 31 million orphans in desperate need of help. Fazl feels it is their highest priority to care for these children.
Fazl also created a response to the lack of employment for women. Vanessa wanted to take the skills that already existed in these communities and provide an opportunity for dignified, fair trade work. The talented women who hand knit these socks are from the communities that host these children’s homes and many are graduates themselves. Each pair of socks takes about two days to knit. The women are paid double what they would make if they were employed at their local market.
HANDMADE IN THE HIMALAYAS
The socks are handmade in the Himalayas with the highest quality materials; wool and a unique blend of acrylic & nylon. These materials ensure they are long lasting and can endure many seasons, avoiding the generation of excess waste.
Fazl distributes the materials needed at their center and the ladies are able to knit wherever its convenient for them. This is incredibly important because most of the women who live in these rural communities of North India have rigorous household duties that would interfere with seeking employment. This method ensures they can earn a reliable income no matter the location they are working from.
Vanessa and Mike frequently travel to remote parts of India to visit these communities. Some of these areas are so remote that the roads are closed 6 month out of the year due to ice and snow. Fazl makes sure to deliver all of the wool and materials before the snowy conditions hit and the roads are off limits. The following Spring they take a trip back to collect all of the hand-knit socks and then they are exported to Canada.
These are the CHAI (Tea). They were inspired by real Indian chai. These brown wool socks have beautiful pops of color that emulate Indian culture.
COMMITMENT TO FAIR TRADE
To make sure all operations align with Fazl’s values they’ve taken steps to closely monitor the production from start to finish. They’ve hosted a ladies meeting with their local mayor to discuss their fair-trade commitment to their artisans. They’ve also performed home visits to check in with the ladies, and factory inspections of their yarn and packaging manufacturers. Fazl is devoted to ensuring every step is done ethically.
SHIPPING
The socks ship plastic-free and come in a small recyclable cardboard box, plus they have free shipping on orders in North America, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe.
SAVE 10% WITH CODE GREENERGIRL10.
Fazl paid homage to the north by creating their UTTAR (North) socks. Between evergreen trees, maple syrup, dog sleds, plaid shirts, and hot cocoa these socks are the essence of a winter wonderland.
Fazl is proud to live by the three H’s – Handmade, Himalayan, Happy Ladies. By purchasing a pair (or two, or three!) of these socks you are not only helping children in destitution but you are also supporting a fair living wage for women who need work. Head over to FAZL to browse their lovely collection of hand knit socks.
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