OUR ETHOS
We Believe in the Three Pillars
of Sustainability
Our three pillars of sustainability that serve as our strength are People, Planet, and Progress
PEOPLE: THE SOCIAL PILLAR OF SUSTAINABILITY
Did you know that 1.2 billion people are living on less than $1 a day? What they lack in money, they make up for in resilience and resourcefulness. Equal Hands partners with artisans and organizations in underserved communities around the world to provide a dignified income and opportunities for talented makers. We seek to magnify our impact by giving opportunities to those in communities that will benefit from new economic ventures. The stories of our artisans can soften even the hardest of hearts. They have overcome obstacles that no one should, including sex trade, slavery, hunger, and violence. Our goal is to empower them, so they can rise up and become success stories for their communities.
PLANET: THE ENVIRONMENT PILLAR OF SUSTAINABILITY
We love our great, green planet in all its glory because it’s the only one we have! We are very aware of the negative impact fast fashion and mass production has had on the environment. This awareness has led us to work towards offering the most environmentally sustainable and natural products that we can find. At Equal Hands, we scour the Earth to find vintage pieces or up-cycled products that fit our aesthetic. Our system is that of re-use instead of produce. When we bring you one-of-a-kind pieces, we are also reducing the negative impact of mass production on the air, water, and soil so our planet can heal. When we do engage in production, it is with responsible, eco-minded brands or done through traditional methods that create handcrafted products while minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, we offer a personalized on-demand service where production is kept limited to customer orders. This reduces excess production and waste. We love our planet and think of ways to minimize environmental impact at every step.
PROGRESS: THE ECONOMIC PILLAR OF SUSTAINABILITY
We strongly believe that empowered individuals hold the ability to break the cycle of poverty. Hopefully ending the day-to-day struggle of getting by on less than $2 a day, and allowing for entrepreneurship and investment in oneself. We particularly believe that women need to be connected to opportunities so that communities can thrive. By providing these opportunities to women in underserved communities, we tap into a pool of undiscovered talent that can actualize their full potential. On average, women invest 90% of their earnings back into their families. They are more likely to send their kids to school, improve their families’ health, and become catalysts for sustainable positive change in their communities. Symbiotically, in the U.S., women make 80% of household purchasing decisions. If women use their purchasing power to buy ethically-sourced products that empower other women, they can collectively make a meaningful impact.