shopping

Every morning I watch a little bit of Current TV. There really is some great stuff there. Recently a segment on Current TV discussed a wonderful business in Kenya that combines development, fair labor practices and environmentalism. The business is called “Ecosandals.” This business, is a cooperative currently employing about 30 people to recycle old truck tires into sandals and selling them directly on the internet. From their website:

Ecosandals is a non-profit importer and reseller of sandals produced by Akala Designs Limited, a cooperative business based in Nairobi, Kenya.

This astonishing international e-business, based in one of Nairobi’s most destitute neighborhoods, currently employs nearly 30 Kenyans in the designing, manufacturing, marketing and selling of really great sandals made with recycled tire treads.

We are funded entirely by the work of volunteers. No one in Ecosandals earns a salary. As a non-profit company, Ecosandals exists solely to support the Korogocho, Kenya project in their efforts to improve their standard of living and the opportunities in their community.

Ecosandals is a community-based dot-com story that is on its way up, not out. Throughout Kenya, Korogocho is known as a rough place. Jobs are scarce. Violence is rampant. Quality health care is non-existent. Even shelter tends to be both poor and temporary. It is a place where most Kenyans fear to walk even during the daytime.