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Our Store
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| A meeting of the women who create our stuffed animals in La Pintada, Antioquia, Colombia. |
You've read all about Santa Fe Ecological Foundation's many projects, such as wildlife rescue, reforestation and environmental education. But how can you help? The Foundation has created a product line of stuffed animals and soaps, which supports our efforts in a number of ways.
Economic Alternatives
La Pintada, Antioquia, Colombia, is the area where we work. This area has a high incidence of illegal wildlife trafficking. Many people who get involved in the lethal illegal wildlife trade do so due to lack of economic opportunities. Our products, however, are 100% completely fairly traded, which means that the locals who we work with get paid a fair wage for their labor. We work with single mothers who are able to work from home, so that they can take care of their children. Our flexible and fair program is a promising alternative to the illegal wildlife trade, which is exploitative of both wild animals and humans.
Sustainable Materials
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| Women from the community working on stuffed animals. |
Our new soaps and fique fiber pouches are made with sustainably harvested natural materials that come from the local dry forest! Deforestation is a huge issue in La Pintada, and those who are opposed to the large-scale destruction of the forest have had little leverage in the past. But the continued use of naturally occuring materials means that the community of La Pintada will have a newfound appreciation for the ecosystem that supplies it with soap ingredients and natural fibers. This is a great incentive to conserve what's left of the forest, and begin reforestation work!
Local Pride
Our stuffed animals represent species that are found in the area of La Pintada, and our soaps are made with some of the finest ingredients from the area. This encourages locals to be proud and respectful of the forest and its habitants.
Raising Consciousness
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| A local woman works from home for a fair income. |
People in other areas who import and buy our stuffed animals will learn about threatened and endangered Colombian species, and also about the illegal wildlife trade. As they continue to use and treasure our merchandise, they will be reminded of the need to protect primates!
So here's where you come in!
Your purchase is facilitating everything you just read about! All additional profits earned will go to the rehabilitation, reforestation, and environmental education programs you read about earlier.
Thank you for your support! It really makes a huge difference!
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