Recycled rice bag pouch, fair trade

These one-of-a-kind upcycled, colourful zipper pouches were lovingly handmade by the skilled artisans at our partner women's workshop in Kathmandu, Nepal. Each pouch purchased from this listing includes a large zipper pouch made from a recycled rice sack, in various shades of red, white, yellow, and black.

Each one is unique, made from upcycled rice sacks (the rice sacks are from Nepal and India), so each design is unique. Bright colours, bold prints, Hindi or Nepali script, and even cooking instructions make each of these pouches truly one-of-a-kind. Each recycled rice sack pouch has a high quality YKK coloured zipper to secure the items you keep inside. The inside of each pouch is lined with sari or upcycled cotton fabric.

The pouches are strong, and each outer surface can be wiped clean with a wet cloth. These bags are great for storing brushes, pens, pencils, cosmetics, school supplies, loose cash, coins or receipts, or anything else you fancy.

Our rice sack pouches make excellent ethical, sustainable gifts, and are brilliant for Secret Santa gifts, stocking fillers, or any other occasion!

As these bags have had a previous life they may have slight marks and imperfections.

IMPORTANT NOTE: the pouches from this collection are made from upcycled materials! This means they are all similar but not exactly the same. Each pouch purchased will be chosen at random; if you have a preference, please leave a note at checkout and we will do our best to accommodate your request, where possible - THANK YOU!
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Dimensions: Approximately 22cm L x 20cm H; approximately 8.6in L x 7.5in H)

Care: Gently hand wash in cold water. Hang or lay flat to air dry.

By purchasing this item, you are helping to empower and provide ongoing employment income for the women who make these handmade products. The demand for Shakti.ism's products provides these women with dignified employment, a living wage, hope and opportunities for their children. Together we can provide alternative options for disadvantaged women with the aim to lift them out of poverty and help them to become self-sustaining and independent.

Materials: upcycled rice sacks, upcycled cotton cloth lining.

Source: Shakti.ism

Shakti.ism is a British brand that gives Indian Sarees a second life by reusing them into beautiful new items in social workshops in India and Bangladesh.

Fair trade: Shakti.ism is a social enterprise operating in India and Bangladesh. Employees are paid a fair wage as well as additional health and wellness benefits. Shakti.ism regularly visits the locations and consults with their employees.

Environmentally friendly: The items are made from old Indian Sarees that are given a second life by Shakti.ism. For example, many sarees are donated. Local donations are generally from poorer people who donate sarees in exchange for other necessities of life. Or they sell it to Shakti.ism at a low price so that they can use this money to buy basic necessities. Shakti.ism can then save the second-hand fabric from being thrown away and reuse it. Saris can also be donated in Europe so that they can be reused.

Good cause: Shakti.ism works with women who are at risk of being affected by gender-based violence. At Shaktiism these women are given the opportunity to earn their own money fairly in a pleasant environment.