LOTUSFEET
Set up as a social enterprise in 2007, Lotusfeet design and produce high quality fair trade jewellery and fashion accessories with the mission to empower the talented artisans of the Philippines. Through regular employment and patronage, Lotusfeet provides sustainable economic opportunities in the jewellery industry; elevating creative design, production and products to new markets. The Enterprise works in partnership with a number of small independent groups, individuals and families who have set up their own micro and cottage businesses or who were once employed by larger enterprises that are no longer in business.
Each partnership has created jobs and training opportunities for marginalised individuals and communities. They have also provided education, health care access, fair living wages and maintained good working conditions. One of the longest partnerships Lotusfeet has is with a Philippine social enterprise providing sustainable incomes and a safe working environment for a women's cooperative in a displaced community. It's WFTO certified (World Fair Trade Organisation) and trains women in jewellery design and manufacturing skills, together with the required materials and equipment. The cooperative enables the women to earn a livelihood in an area where there are very few jobs, whilst living at home and supporting their families. It also enables the option for their children to stay at school, graduate from secondary and even go on and finish college or university education.
Lotusfeet are proud members and sponsors of the Go Green Philippines scheme, a sustainable environmental program to revitalise the Philippine ecosystem and sustain the Philippine fashion accessories industry. The project is focuses on reforestation, forest management, a coastal environmental program and livelihood projects for rural communities. The first phase of this long term project has been the replenishment of one hundred hectares of barren land with the plantation and cultivation of the lush mamalis tree, a source of white wood predominately used by the fashion and jewellery industry of the Philippines. Through purchases of its products, Lotusfeet has been able to contribute to the scheme's projects and to date have planted more than 1,500 trees.
We first stocked Lotusfeet over 10 years ago, and it is their fun, brightly coloured coconut and wooden necklaces that have always been my favourite part of the range. They are light and easy to wear, add a splash of colour to any outfit, and are of course made of natural materials.
Charity
Green Tulip Founder
