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.

Making this business work has been a long, hard road, but we’re still here and thriving thanks to the dedication of our founders and staff and the thoughtful commerce of people like you.

Pure and simple, buying sandals from Ecosandals helps people in a terrible situation to help themselves, empowering and encouraging them in ways that the global socio-political structure so rarely manages to. Buy something on this site, and you will receive attractive, high-quality sandals at a fair price, while your money makes the world a better place, for some very nice Kenyans just trying to make a living. Your purchase also supports the reuse of trash in one of the most polluted cities on earth.

Next time I am buying sandals, I will probably buy through Ecosandals. Always love to buy products that are fair trade and eco-friendly. Thanks again, Current TV, for introducing me to something good.