Threads of Life

Threads of Life aim to alleviate the poverty suffered by many in small communities. The villagers produce the goods that their ancestors have done for centuries and through fair trade partnership with ‘Threads of Life’ they are able to sell them on.

All the textiles are made using only local materials and natural dyes so they continue to protect the environments in which they live. The workers also use the same weaving techniques and designs that have been employed by their grandparents for centuries, in order to preserve them and stop them from disappearing. This is history in the making. As well as textiles the villagers weave baskets and other fine craft items, which can all be purchased from the shop in Ubud.

With the proceeds of the sales, the workers set up their own cooperatives. These underpin the equality between workers and success of the business as they manage the resources and supply of goods to ensure longevity in the project. Threads for Life is also part of the World Fair Trade Organisation which makes it even better for the workers to be part of!

Those at Threads for Life visit workers in their communities during the dry season to negotiate prices, ensure cooperatives are flourishing and educate the people further about the business. They are using consumerism to create opportunities for those who possess great skills but are economically disadvantaged. They are helping women break a cycle of male dominated households and preventing children from entering labour sweat shops.