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July 4, 2009: Welcome to encounter earth online! On World Fair Trade Day 2008 - May 10, 2008 ee was launched in the back of a store... no, not the trunk of a car though that was an option. The small beginnings of fair + sustainable clothing shop in Canmore, Alberta, Canada was opened within a conventionally traded clothing store that was acquired on Main Street. encounter earth has officially made the transition to a standalone shop in March 09!
You are invited to explore this website to understand the vision and hope to see justice in the marketplace. We are already seeing some of the wealth in Canada and North America be transferred to hard working individuals and communities in third world countries so that they are moving towards living healthy, thriving lives. SPRING/SUMMER 09 clothing and accessories are still in the shop. Fall/Winter 09 will be arriving in July and August. Encounter Earth carries product from cooperatives/collectives, small factories, and a few larger companies who adhere to our values of fairness and sustainability. Here is a list of some of our partners: Good Society Jeans, Just Shirts, Indigenous, Patagonia, Hagar Design, Simple Shoes, Pure&Co, Unique Batik, Neon Buddha, and NYDJ.
clothe your soul
We give you the opportunity to buy the clothes you need while empowering third world families to step out of poverty.
We exist to put our beliefs to work. We believe in fair play, truth, transparency, art, self-expression, and that life is an adventure not a career path. We share the stories behind the products, the names and lives of the artisans, and how your purchase changes their world. Below are locations where Encounter Earth producers live & work. |
Lafissa Mamman is a skilled story teller and one of the oldest members
of the shea butter production cooperative that we work with. She is the
supervisor for the crystallization process, which is one of the most
critical steps in making unrefined shea butter so creamy. Lafissa has
made and sold shea butter in local markets for over 40 years and is a
genuine shea butter expert. By providing a market for shea butter in
North America, your purchases help Lafissa and her colleagues develop
financial independence and secure livelihoods, while supporting and
developing the strength of their community.