Freeset

One of my favorite aspects of The Relevant Conference is getting to learn about new-to-me organizations.  This year, one of those organizations was Freeset.

Freeset is “a fair trade business offering employment to women trapped in Kolkata’s sex trade.”  They create great jute bags, and organic cotton t-shirts, offering a business opportunity to give women the means to escape the vicious cycle of the sex trade.  In addition to the business opportunity, they enable these ladies to take care of their debts, so they are truly free of their oppressors, and teach them to read and write.  The women are even provided with health insurance and pension plans!

In order for their business to thrive, of course they need customers, and that is where we come in.  I haven’t seen their t-shirts, but I love these bags.  They’re available in several sizes/styles, and because of the jute fabric, they’re very sturdy.  (The jute is a much thicker, stiffer fabric than cotton canvas.)

They even have some itty-bitty totes (the “box bag”) that make excellent gift bags!  If you have an event coming up, you can order custom bags with a minimum order of 100.  Prices are very reasonable, especially when you know how well their creators are being taken care of.  Please note that the trim/linings on most of these will vary, as they’re made from upcycled saris.

$5-20

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Disclosure: I received a bag of my own to help facilitate this review.  However, all opinions are entirely my own, and I have actually purchased bags in other styles, myself.  I truly recommend these products.