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Guatemalan Better Back Shoulder Bag
The Better Back Shoulder Bag is a tear drop shaped bag is designed to distribute the weight over your back
and hip to reduce your weight load by 30% helping your back and neck. Three outer secure pockets, a full length zip for entry
and a multi pocketed interior to keep you organized. (Some pockets are open, others have zippers or velcro.) Plus each is unique with
hand woven huipile fabric on both sides set off by a dark blue or black fabric. A Fair Trade product.
Editor note: This is truly one of my favorite bags (not that I have many... maybe three). My only complaint that I feel I should
warn you about is the top piece holding the strap to the bag tends to go sideways. Me being OCD about it, it does bother me. But with
a little extra fabric sewn in (even tape maybe for a cheesy fix), or replacing the plastic piece with a circle-style ring might be all
that is needed. It doesn't stop me from using it regularly. I feel very proud when I go places with it -- and people stop and ask me about
it all the time.
Fair Trade
Fair Trade Federation principles and practices mean that
artists are paid fairly, at least 35% more than they would receive in their local market. Paying fair wages does not mean that products cost the consumer
more. Purchasing fairly traded products helps support living wages and healthy working conditions. And, unlike many commercial importers who often wait
60-90 days before paying producers, Fair Trade Organizations ensure prompt payment -- in many cases, prepayment, so that producers have sufficient funds
to cover raw materials and basic needs during production time.
Environmental Responsibility and Respect for Cultural Identity
Fair Trade Organizations encourage producers to engage in environmentally friendly practices which use local resources
sustainably. They are also encouraged to produce and develop products based on producers' cultueral traditions adapted for Western markets.
About UPAVIM
Unidas Para Vivir Mejor ("United for a Better Life") was started in 1990 by a group of about 10 women and is based in the community of La Esperanza (in English, "Hope") located
on the outskirts of Guatemala City. It now consists of a self-governed group of approximately 68 women -- all mothers and homemakers, some widows and
some abandoned by their husbands -- dedicated to improving the quality of life for themselves and their children. They still face many challenges such
as illiteracy, unemployment, malnutrition, lack of sufficient education for children, etc. But through donations, grants and the sale of their crafts,
UPAVIM has been able to do many things to improve their lives, such as establish a medical and dental clinic, medical lab, breast feeding promotion
campaign, children's growth monitoring program, alternative 6 grade elementary school and daycare, scholarship and tutoring program and other income
generating projects. Your purchase of their crafts helps this group to be a self-sustaining association and to advance toward an improved quality of
life in their community.
UPAVIM is a Member of the Fair Trade Federation & The Crafts Center at CHF International
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