Everyone wants a deal!

Becoming aware of inequalities created by global trade helps individuals begin to make ethical choices. But still ... it's hard. I know when I head out to buy a pair of runners, cost is a big consideration. Also, size selection - I've got big feet. ... limits choice. Somehow, I find it hard to do all that and remember to find out who made these runners and how much they got paid and what were the working conditions like.

This is why individuals together under the umbrella of a human right organization can investigate the sweat shops. As individuals, we can pressure the government to demand "social clauses" in all trade agreements. This will help the average person make an informed and ethical choice. But, I still think that for most people a deal is a deal.

Black Friday -  Deals and more deals

Below is a description of Oliberte Shoes. I heard about them on Dragon's Den, (a CBC television show) and it was interesting to hear the dragons debate ethical trade. Here is a youtube link to that episode: Dragons Den Oliberte Shoe

The following is taken from the Oliberte website: http://www.oliberte.com/story/

The Why Africa?

When we first shared the idea of manufacturing our footwear in Africa, many asked: Why? Why or how could anyone want to make shoes in a place full of so much poverty and corruption?
The answer is simple: We never have and still don't see an Africa that's categorised by negative generalizations. Oliberté believes that with the right partners, each country within Africa has the means to grow and support its people. So that's what we do – Oliberté partners with factories, suppliers, farmers and workers to produce premium footwear in Africa, but we do more than that. We work create fair jobs, with the goal of contributing to the development of a thriving middle class.
It is generally accepted that a thriving middle class is a key component to the success of any country. In Africa, the middle class is increasing in size, and one of Oliberté's goals is to support that growing middle class by building a world class footwear brand that can create thousands of jobs and encourages manufacturers from other industries to work in Africa.
Currently, Oliberté operates in Ethiopia, Liberia and Kenya with the goal of expanding to Cameroon, Congo, Uganda and Zambia in the coming years.