Fibres of life | Backpack Flecked Steel

The inspirations for Fibres of Life fair trade products originate from various sources – starting with the incredible aesthetics seen in nature – the animals and plants you see in our silkscreen series. Much of our color choices derive from the exquisite natural vibrants and rooted colors you see in places of beauty – the pumpkin in Rocky Mountain lichen and the grey of the old rock it grows on. The wine of a fresh purpley willow branch paired perfectly with it’s fresh olive/chartreuse spring leaves. Since one of my passions is food, one of the first things I learn about in a new country is use of their spices and ingredients– and seeing them freshly produced and blended heaped in market stalls is unquestionably a source of our colors – chili, fresh green mint chutney.

Annually, Fibres of Life takes steps to continually integrate social and environmental values into how they operate the business. This is reflected in: Production – such as our designs that focus on adaptability to create longevity. Or choices we are making to move to water based silkscreen inks. Selecting natural alternatives such as our coconut shell buttons used on our pin on’s, only natural tanning and mustard oil treatment of the leather we use, and work to reduce and eliminate use of any cotton in our products that is not organic (Nepal has difficulty accessing organic cotton and fair trade groups are working with EU partners to develop an organic supply in the country) Transport – FOL is always working towards more sustainable forms of transport for our goods to North America, and within. Human Resource Policies – We create values based jobs and commit significantly to training, learning opportunities and mentorship in fair trade, community development and development of sustainable business practices. We work hard to provide respectable wages to our staff. Support of Community Initiatives – Based on our mandate, while we aim to direct most of our donations overseas, we occasionally donate to and support local community projects. Building capacity – Working with the fair trade associations and Bachpan Bachao Andolan (the coalition fighting child labour in India that we support) how we can contribute to capacity building.