When the owner of Fair Trade Décor, Elizabeth Paganelli, wanted to showcase the importance of selling eco-friendly products found in her store, she put a call out for people to drop off plastic water bottles. With the help of her husband, Jude, they created a recycled plastic bottle Christmas tree and Menorah. Her neighbor Kristin Volkman helped her decorate the bottles.
“People are coming in just to take pictures of the tree or themselves in front of the tree,” explained Elizabeth Paganelli. “It’s so cool to see how much people appreciate the recycled bottle projected!”
Not only is it beautiful, but it shines a light on the importance of eliminating single-use plastics. Fair Trade Décor is an Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Business, following a list of guidelines set forth by Emerald Keepers. As a fair trade store, Fair Trade Decor works with artisans in developing countries and underserved communities. All of their products are sourced through the US Fair Trade Federation, European Fair Trade Organization, World Fair Trade Organization and other Fair Trade sources that require eco-friendly practices to serve the best interests of both the artisans and their communities. Everything in the story is eco-friendly.
Paganelli is proud of the principles they follow which help alleviate poverty and prioritize sustainable social and economic development. Safe working conditions and children’s rights, prompt and fair pay, respect for cultural identity and environmental stewardship are among the principals to which they adhere. Paganelli said, “We work with partners in approximately forty developing countries and organizations.”
Elizabeth Paganelli is passionate about unique handcrafted decorative arts and human rights. She opened her store in Coronado in December of 2017, just five years after opening her store in Del Mar. This year the store added U.S. eco-friendly, sustainable products.
Emerald Keepers is pleased to congratulate Fair Trade Décor as our Emerald Keeper of the Month for December, as they remind everyone to Reduce, Reuse, and Rejoice this holiday season.
