Ahimsa Eco is beyond excited to announce the launch of our very first exclusive product – the Eco Travel Pouch/Napkin!! Sourced from a local Guatemalan Indigenous women’s cooperative, these beauties are custom made from 100% cotton fabrics – skirts, blouses and shawls from local indigenous women that have been used for over ten years, and instead of being sent to landfill – where they would fossilize rather than breaking down (creating methane gas which contributes to global warming) – have been repurposed and upcycled into these beautiful, unique Eco Travel Pouches that double as table napkins! Not only that, these pouches are also fair trade, meaning that we paid fair Western prices (no haggling!!) for these to ensure that the local women would be paid fair wages to take care of their families. Every single one of these stunning patterns come from ancient Mayan traditions and have stories and local customs woven into them.

Because they have already been washed and sanitized numerous times, the colours do not bleed (we’ve tested them in both hot and cold water!). Our Eco Travel Pouches are available for a limited time only. Pick yours up right here on our website or contact your local Ahimsa Eco Ambassador!

Guatemalan women at the local cooperative packaging our Eco Pouches

Ahimsa Eco Managing Director Wes Wright with Elmy, Manager of the Women’s Coop

Blaire Lindsay, Women’s Embodiment Coach, creatrix of www.blaire-lindsay.com & Ahimsa Eco Ambassador contributes the following piece about the importance of empowering women in Indigenous communities and the rise of the empowered Feminine:

“The Dalai Lama is reported to have said that the Western woman will change the world. Whether he actually made this statement or not, it’s heartening to see many women embark on a kind of ‘heroine’ journey. However, it may be much more accurate (and inclusive) to say that it will be women all over the world who are the necessary agents for change, especially when it comes to the environment and climate change. In fact, it’s the world’s most vulnerable female populations that will play a major role in our planet’s future. As the child-rearers and caretakers of future generations, these women are the gateway for sustainable practices to take root. We cannot underestimate the value of educating and empowering these women. Educating young, Indigenous women in developing countries is one of the top 10 ways that the effects of climate change can be mitigated.

The environmental return is invaluable. Not only does this support provide an opportunity for women to live more prosperous and vibrant lives, it supports the creation of future stewards and protectors of our earth.”

References:

Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming. Hawken, Paul, editor.
New York, New York: Penguin Books. 2017.