Fair Trade – From a Different Angle

With October being National Fair Trade Month, there is, expectedly, plentiful conversation had around the tenets of Fair Trade. What is the quality of the products being made? What is the compensation offered to the producers? Are the working environments safe for those doing the work?

Alaffia Basket Weaving Coop in Ghana

Sokode Shea Butter Coop

In all of this necessary conversation, a piece of Fair Trade that often goes without mention is what the products are packaged in. Plastic packaging is everywhere, global production of plastics has doubled over the past 15 years (2008), and only in the recent past has a dialogue opened up about the toxicity levels in this popular form of packaging.

A few of the more toxic ingredients used in the creation of plastic are BPA, PVC, and Polystyrene. The dangers of these are relatively well known, yet they are still widely used. Each are known to leach cancer causing properties into whatever they contain, and in the case of beauty products, this then becomes absorbed into your bloodstream within seconds. We include Fair Trade in our packaging process as well. We source the majority of our packaging from local manufacturers, who work to create non-toxic packaging made from post-consumer waste. By using packaging from our surrounding states, we are supporting our local US based economy rather than outsourcing to factories in places like China where the welfare of the workers is in question. In many of those factories, the workers face serious long-term health risks, including multiple types of cancers and lymphomas. Additionally, by sourcing in majority from California and Utah, we are working to reduce our carbon footprint by forgoing the expense of international export.Our packaging supplier routinely inspects their domestic and international facilities to ensure that employees are working in safe and non-toxic environments; the well-being of the workers is a focus.

Sorting Shea nuts at the Sokode Coop

Part of the Shea butter making process

Alaffia products in the making at our Olympia headquarters

Safely packaged, finished product. 

At Alaffia, we feel that Fair Trade should encompass the entire production process from harvest to shelf. From providing fair wages to those who harvest our raw ingredients in Togo, to those who formulate and create our products here in Olympia, Wa. to the bottles those products are filled in. We strive to maintain transparent relationships with all who contribute to the creation of an Alaffia product.

Sources drawn from:

http://phys.org/news/2011-05-plastic-products-leach-toxic-substances.html

http://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/49-identifying-poisonous-plastics.html

http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/eco-friendly/plastic-bottles-toxins-water-bottles-460410#slide-1

http://healthychild.org/easy-steps/reduce-your-use-of-pvc-in-plastics-and-other-household-products/

The Empowerment Tour - Appreciations and Refelctions

With its final stops in Montana, The Empowerment Tour came to a close this week. Each week we have heard from Olowo-n’djo and seen the tour through his eyes. As a final closing to this incredible eight weeks, made possible by so many different people across the nation, we asked to hear from all of you who were a part of the tour on the road. Thank you all for sharing you appreciations with us, we value knowing that so many of you were able to share in the experience of The Empowerment Tour, and that it left a lasting legacy with those we visited.

“I was honored to meet you today and hear your story again and understand the purpose for what you do so I can share with others who buy your product. It is indeed the Hope for Humanity… Peace, Olowo-n’djo and Rose and all of the people in Togo, and the world that live in harmony and love. Thank you-”- Kathleen L.M.

“Thanks for coming to Albuquerque (and everywhere else)! Such a treat.” – Susan T.
“Thank you to the Empowerment Tour team and Olowo-n’djo for sharing your adventures with us around the country. It has been fun traveling with you via your updates, photos, and blog. Alaffia!”  –Jen L.

Olowo-n'djo and Lawrence, day two of the tour in the Redwoods. 

Taking in a roadside attraction or two.

Olowo-n'djo at the Hoover Dam. 

Alaffia meets Cadillac Ranch. 

Bio-fueling up, en route to D.C.

Taking in some monuments.

One of the 19+ state signs passed along the way. 

“Thanks to Mr. Tchala, the film crew, and team members for making The Empowerment Tour a huge success yesterday! It was an honor and pleasure to meet the founder of Alaffia and to hear first-hand about all of the community empowerment efforts his company pioneered” – The team at Whole Foods Carmel

“I met Olowo-n’djo at Sprouts Supermarket today. Just wanted to say… what a really nice man! Best of luck to you, if you ever see this message!” – Heidi and Bruce

 “Still riding the energy ‘high’ from your visit yesterday. The time that you invested to include us was not without purpose and the energy will trickle outward long after… there was great conversation late into the night around the bonfire that was all triggered by your visit, your purpose, your passion, and all that has yet to be accomplished. Thank you for investing in us and allowing us to invest in you!!!!! You are generating many smiles in the world!!” – Kate R.G.

Friends met and made along the way

Dinner Training in New York City

Dinner with buyers in New Mexico

Meeting with Whole Foods Corporate in Chicago

The Empowerment Tour Team with Morgan at Whole Foods Global Offices in Austin

The first of what would be many radio interviews

Olowo-n'djo with one of Alaffia's most dedicated supporters 

Drummers became a theme along the tour route

“I attended the Empowerment Tour at the Hennepin Whole Foods. I was very impressed with the positive message of empowering women by providing jobs, schools, bicycles and promoting good health. From a poor country, something positive can happen.” – Kim F.

“Thank you, Olowo-n’djo Tchala and Alaffia, for visiting us to talk about your fair trade body care products and how you’re empowering women and children in your home country! We are honored to have your products in our store!” – The team at Whole Foods Edina

 “Yesterday I got a chance to meet the amazing founders Olowo-n’djo and Rose of Alaffia (one of the companies I demo rep for)! I’m so excited and constantly amazed and inspired by them, this fair trade company, and honored to be a part of Alaffia’s team here in Chicago.” – Anna V.

 “It was such an honor to host Olowo-n’djo and the Alaffia Empowerment Tour at Community Pharmacy this week. We are all so inspired by the vision and efforts of Olowo-n’djo and Rose, and are proud to be a part of supporting their cooperatives in Togo and all the projects they create, from delivering bicycles to schoolgirls to supporting maternal health.” Julie N.

The first of what would be many reunions with members of last year's Togo trip. 

The Togolese cuisine along the way was a big hit

Radio Friends in Charlotte

Organic Marketplace in Gastonia

Presentation at Sunrise Natural Market

Thank you to all of the reps who gave of their time to plan these events, to the stores who hosted, and to the friends, both new and old who have opened up their homes to Olowo-n’djo and the team. This was an unforgettable experience for so many, and it is a direct result of so many people working together across 19 states and countless cities. After 58 days of Empowerment, Olowo-n’djo ends his journey on a high note, encouraged by the immense support offered across the nation.

Alaffia! 

The Sweet Side of Africa's Secret

With each passing season the health and wellbeing of our bee population is becoming more and more of a concern.  From the disappearance of thousands of bee colonies to the use of pesticides on the crops they pollinate; it is clear that our pollinators are in a precarious situation. 

We believe that every one of our products should not only benefit the individual using it, but also contribute to the wellbeing of our communities and the world we share.  With this in mind, we decided to focus our efforts toward the plight of bees with the development of Africa’s Secret.  This new, all-purpose body cream celebrates Togo’s most powerful indigenous oils combined with sustainably sourced bee products.  After researching the most effective ways of contributing to bee conservation we decided that proceeds of Africa’s Secret would go to the Xerces Society, which is dedicated to the conservation of pollinators, including bees.




A Bumble Bee Polinating Lavender in Washington's Olympic Peninsula



“Bees are undoubtedly the most abundant pollinators of flowering plants in our environment. The service that bees and other pollinators provide allows nearly 70 percent of all flowering plants to reproduce; the fruits and seeds from insect pollinated plants account for over 30 percent of the foods and beverages that we consume. Beyond agriculture, pollinators are keystone species in most terrestrial ecosystems. Fruits and seeds derived from insect pollination are a major part of the diet of approximately 25 percent of all birds, and of mammals ranging from red-backed voles to grizzly bears. However, many of our native bee pollinators are at risk, and the status of many more is unknown. Habitat loss, alteration, and fragmentation, pesticide use, and introduced diseases all contribute to declines of bees.”  The Xerces Society

We are happy to support the work of the Xerces Society and raise awareness about this critical situation.

What’s in this little jar of indigenous wonders?

Certified Fair Trade Handcrafted Shea Butter – Moisturizes and protects; enhances cell regeneration and capillary circulation, which helps prevent and minimize stretch marks, inflammations, and scarring.

Certified Fair Trade Virgin Coconut Oil - Virgin Coconut Oil is high in natural antioxidants and protects skin from damaging free-radicals. It also helps keep skin firm and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Beeswax – Locks in moisture and protects skin from the environment. Also contains natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-allergenic, and germicidal antioxidant properties that aid in the healing process, and healthy cell development.

African Wild Honey - A natural humectant which has the ability to attract and retain moisture. Also has significant natural antioxidant properties.

West African Neem – Has excellent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal properties. Also effective in treating skin conditions such as extreme dryness and acne.

Baobab Oil – Tightens, tones, moisturizes and encourages skin cell regeneration with vitamins A, D and E.

Sesame Oil - Rich in Vitamin E and B complex and absorbs quickly to moisturize, protect and detoxify skin.

Royal Jelly – Antibacterial properties help stop bacteria growth and balance pH levels.

Bee Pollen – Contains many vitamins, minerals, amino acids, trace elements, and powerful antioxidants which help reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Bee Propolis – Has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal activity and accelerates tissue regeneration.

In keeping with Africa’s Secret’s bee conservation focus, we use only sustainable, wild harvested honey from Togo and humanely raised, antibiotic-free beeswax, propolis, pollen and royal jelly from independent bee keepers in Oregon and Ohio. 

This lineup of ingredients makes this an extremely versatile body cream that is highly moisturizing that helps heal and renew your skin. Africa’s Secret is excellent for all kinds of skin (including troubled, dry and sensitive); hands, body, face, scalp and hair, as our friend and supporter Samantha shares:

“I simply had to message you as I have once again fallen in love with Alaffia as I have rediscovered how amazing 'Africa's Secret' truly is. For the longest time, I was simply washing my hair with water and MAYBE one to two times per week, I would cleanse my hair with baking soda and perform an apple cider vinegar rinse. I would put a small amount (almost trivial) of Africa's Secret through my hair and voila, perfect, glossy, no-frill curls. I, however, for whatever reason decided to start shampooing and conditioning my hair again. Then I started applying all sorts of products, searching for a really 'defined curl' result. ...I was just totally seduced by all of the products and their promises. My hair went crazy; the results were horrible. Stringy, greasy looking hair with which I could do nothing with. I am of mixed race and my curls/hair was just one giant pile of stringy frizz.

Fast forward to the last ten days or so. I have gone back to my minimalist routine, washing infrequently (with just water or a bit of baking soda/ACV) then applying an obscenely small quantity of Africa's Secret through my hair while damp. I have enclosed a photo of the result. Mind you, this is very consistent! I can wake up and be out the door by just 'fluffing' my hair with a bit of Africa's Secret.

My hair consistently looks glossy, curly and happy. I will never be lead astray again by promises that science will make my hair look better than 'nature'. Thank you for your quality products and all that you do!”

What are others saying about Africa’s Secret?

“I’m using it every day. I feel wonderful!” - Yukiko

"I can't say enough about this product, I call it Africa's GOLD!  I had what I think was exzema on my hands, it was miserable. My hands were constantly itching and breaking out. I've only been using it for 3 days and NO MORE itching! I LOVE Africa's Secret, it's such an amazing combination of ingredients! - Becky

“I have it and love it. Amazing product!”  - Anna

“I love it. I use it every day. My skin has never looked so good. Thank you Alaffia.” – Marie

We hope you’ll also discover the versatile benefits of Africa’s Secret.  We thank you for your support in helping us go BEYOND Fair Trade. Together we can continue to make a positive change, even for bees...

Peace and Good Health to you and yours!

If you’d like more information on Xerces Society or take the Pollinator Protection Pledge:  http://www.xerces.org/pollinatorprotectionpledge/

To learn how your support of Alaffia is empowering our Togolese Communities: http://www.alaffia.com/