You open the can on a very big conversation/idea…

There are companies out there who are doing just that – ‘provide just and fair wages.’

The soccer ball companies we are looking into are examples of that. They haven’t pulled out of places like Pakistan, instead, they are providing fair wages, healthy living conditions, and health care. I think supporting and promoting companies like this is a start to what you are talking about.

I’d love to have a workers co-op in Mexico producing our backpacks and other materials. The problem is, I can’t support that kind of output. As you know, we are really small…it would take a lot of networking with suppliers and other groups to get something like that going. I’ll tell you the truth, though, that has been on my mind for some time now.

What we are doing is a band-aid solution (in my opinion). What you are talking about is a healing solution.

It is really important to not flood an area that is developing and has its own economy with aid from outside, as that can have an adverse affect on that area’s economy (ie continually sending backpacks can put local business people who sell stuff like that out of work).

Ultimately – it would be fantastic to partner with (or create) ethical companies on the ground – so, for example, backpacks –
instead of taking them in our suitcases, we would arrive, visit the co-op or factory, and support fair wages and work in that area…
it’s a dream for me at this point, but not an impossibility…

your thoughts? You are in Mexico City – any word on ethical producers in and around TJ?

thanks for the comments.

I wondered James, as I read your great post, how we could take this a step further and actually begin providing or generating jobs that pay just and fair wages. Don’t take me wrong: I think your project is rocking in every way…but I wonder if we could push even further, and actually create alternatives to factory (slave) jobs….