Impact
Hot Chocolate, Hospitality, and Holiday Fun
One of our resolutions this year is to practice hospitality. Our new brick and mortar store opened its doors officially in 2020 and we continue to connect with the community through fun shopping events. Since then, we’ve hosted several events and given tours of our facility to promote fair trade and teach others the art of screenprinting. Shopping with Sugarplums We recently partnered with the Blue Springs ballet to bring out holiday cheer. Guests enjoyed our hot cocoa bar and cookies, made snowflake wands with the cast of The Nutcracker, and witnessed a live print of an exclusive design we made just for the event. Proceeds of the custom printed tee directly benefited the company and together we were able to raise funds to support scholarships for aspiring dancers. Here's some fun highlights from the event: About The Blue Springs Ballet ”Friends of the Blue Springs ballet is a registered 501c3 that supports the Blue Springs Ballet Company dancers through scholarships for continuing dance education. The scholarships allow our dancers to attend summer dance intensive across the country from various professional companies,” says board member and instructor Katie Cockerell. The Blue Springs ballet supports dancers' ambition while cultivating a culture of inclusivity and encouragement. More To Come This year’s events have been so wonderful for us here at GOEX. We have met new partners and have had the opportunity to show people our purpose. Would you like to have a private shopping or printing event? Looking for a space for another event? We would love to host you and your friends or colleagues. Contact us today!
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Introducing the GOEX Holiday Collection
GOEX Apparel is thrilled to announce it’s Holiday Graphic Collection. Featuring fabrics sourced from Carolina Cotton Works these tees resonate comfort and joy. Our team of artists sought to highlight holiday traditions as well as honor the work done by our parent organization (Global Orphan Project). Check out some of our favorites - Printed on GOEX premium cotton, our Animal Christmas Sweater Tee is available in unisex and youth. We have spruced up the traditional Christmas Sweater design to celebrate the work of our parent organization, GO Project, which invests in the lives of kids and families all over the world. (Learn more about the work in these countries here.) We all could use a hand now and then. Even Santa. Printed on our festive red tri-blend, our Santa’s Helpers Tee is a shirt your little elf will love and you will feel good about buying. Transition to crisp, cool weather with this darling Stay Warm Tee. Featuring a simple print of all things comfort and joy, this best-selling basic tee was made for layers. Printed on our wine colored eco-triblend, this fitted tee goes best with a cup of hot cocoa. Bring out the yuletide cheer! Our Merry Eco-Triblend Tee is a perfect basic for the holiday season. You’ll be able to stay merry and bright knowing you’ve made a positive impact. Get ready for a long winter’s nap because this tee was built for crisp cozy nights. Give your winter wardrobe a great big bear hug with this Plaid Bear Unisex Eco-Triblend Tee. Available in unisex longsleeve or in our youth hooded tee! We have many more designs for the whole family. Whether you want the perfect matching looks for your Christmas cards or wanting to stay cozy for a long winter’s nap, our GOEX Holiday Collection seeks to make an impact. Give Heart. Give GOEX. Our purpose at GOEX is clear. We exist to connect the customer and the maker. Our customers sustain fair wage jobs that liberate workers from poverty and empower them in their families and communities. We seek to create dignified work to keep families together and to help heal the planet on our journey. If there is an opportunity to accomplish our goals, we humbly take it. We ask that when searching for the perfect gift this holiday season be sure to give with heart. Make your purchase count. To help you accomplish these goals, we're offering 10% off our Holiday Graphic Collection. Feel good. Do good.
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Love Your Leftovers
One of our goals for 2021 is to Continue to Grow Sustainability Efforts. So far we’ve introduced buttons, labels, drawcords, twill tape and packaging made from recycled plastic. We have also introduced a line of garments created from remnant fabric diverting waste from landfills – our ladies rib tee, rib tank and rib cardigan are all created from scrap fabric. We added zippers to the assortment of components using recycled plastics. We will also continue to expand our assortment of garments made of eco-triblend fabric diverting more plastic from landfills. Plus, we are reusing boxes that originate in Haiti. This week, we are reflecting on leftovers but we’re not talking about turkey. Nope, we’re talking about overly loved tees from yesterday. According to Eco-Stylist, three out of every five fast fashion pieces end up in the trash. Your clothes that you have loved and cherished to the point of no return deserves better and so does the planet. Turn your leftovers into delicious fashion that you can cherish all over again. Try out fashionable DIY recipes: 1.) The Smocked Tee Add a splash of romance to your classic tees. (Download smocked tee recipe here) 2.) The Scrunchie Get heads turning with this super fun blast from the past. (Download scrunchie recipe here) 3.) The Receiving Blanket Give the new parents in your life warmth and security with this DIY Receiving Blanket (Download receiving blanket recipe here) No matter if you're just starting out or a DIY Wizard, you can join us in our sustainability efforts. If you love our super soft, eco-friendly fabrics and want to use them for your project, one yard cuts are available for sale at our store at 3161 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO. Black Friday Sale Want something to go with that new scrunchie you just made? We’ve got deals for Black Friday you’re gonna love! Get free shipping on orders over $25, a free gift tote when you spend $50 or more, AND get 10% off all Holiday Graphic tees. Use code CHEER out check out and stuff your stocking with fun tees packed full of impact! Follow the story We strive to be bold with our words and represent the ideals we believe. If you like what we stand for, we want to share more! Stay in the loop by signing up to receive our newsletters and following us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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No Waste November: Refreshed & Renewed
One of our goals for 2021 is to Continue to Grow Sustainability Efforts. So far we’ve introduced buttons, labels, drawcords, twill tape and packaging made from recycled plastic. We have also introduced a line of garments created from remnant fabric diverting waste from landfills – our ladies rib tee, rib tank and rib cardigan are all created from scrap fabric. We added zippers to the assortment of components using recycled plastics. We will also continue to expand our assortment of garments made of eco-triblend fabric diverting more plastic from landfills. Plus, we are reusing boxes that originate in Haiti. This November, we are reflecting on our commitment to reducing waste. This week we’re all about recycling so we’re highlighting some of our favorite products made from recycled materials. These items look great with accessories from fellow Fair Trade Federation member, Threads Worldwide. Unique Gifts With Purpose Feel good. Do Good Trucker Hat: This handcrafted hat is upcycled and recycled waste materials salvaged from landfills and manufacturers - reducing its carbon footprint by 80%. These hats employ Indonesian artisans and help provide a fair wage that empowers them in their family and communities. It’s more than a hat. It’s a commitment to industrial ecology that forms the basis for long-term sustainable environmental, social and economic growth in developing communities. Ibarra Necklace - Mystic - Ecuador: A Threads favorite, the Ibarra Tagua necklace has never looked so "cool"! The mystic blue tones look beautiful on every skin tone. The Upcycled leather ties add versatility to this necklace so it can be worn long or shortened so the Tagua seeds lay on the skin. Size: 18"–30" Materials: Tagua Seeds and Leather Artisan information: These Ecuadorian earrings are made from sustainably harvested tagua seeds. Eco-Triblend Rib Cardigan: This chic, rib cardigan is not only fashionable but it’s also one of our most eco-friendly garments. You can see why it’s one of our best sellers with stylish details such as buttons made from recycled waste and a sleek drape. This cardigan fits so many different aesthetics making it one of the most versatile garments we have. With professional artisan construction you can feel confident wearing it on calm summer nights or keep it cozy in the winter. Aspiration earrings: Combining the elements of upcycled bullhorn, wood, and abalone shell, our Aspiration Earrings are a triple delight. Coordinate with any of our wood and bullhorn pieces for a complete look. Size: 3" Materials: Upcycled bullhorn, Wood, and Abalone shell Heathered Rib Beanie: Ultra-stylish and super eco-friendly, GOEX is proud to introduce the heathered rib beanie. Designed with comfort in mind the rib beanie looks great with our Fair Trade apparel. Ready for some outdoor fun or looking to top off a chill look? The GOEX ribbed beanie has you covered. About Threads Worldwide Threads Worldwide uses a direct sales model to connect entrepreneurs in the United States with entrepreneurs in developing countries through the fair trade of artisan jewelry. They sell jewelry, scarves and bags handmade by women in India, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Vietnam, Ecuador, Indonesia, Bolivia, and Uganda. Through the fair trade of artisan jewelry, women from Uganda to Ecuador have watched their dreams become a reality: dreams of sending their children to school, accessing healthcare, and making their homes safer. Need something? Want to add recycled to your wardrobe? We’ve got you covered. Shop GOEX Apparel through the month of November and save 20% on all rib garments. That’s right! Every garment crafted from remnant fabric that would otherwise be tossed aside, is on sale. Shopping triblend? Our triblend rib garments actually divert waste from landfills twice – first the plastic bottles used in the fabric and then the rib fabric again when we use the remnants. No waste November. No waste ever.
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No Waste November: The Art of Giving Sustainability
One of our goals for 2021 is to Continue to Grow Sustainability Efforts. This November, we are reflecting on our commitment to reducing waste. Our staff will be participating all month long in weekly challenges so that we can incorporate the cultivation of environmental stewardship (Fair Trade Federation Principle #8) into our daily lives. This week we’re focused on gifting well so that your gifts last for years to come. A gift is a physical token memorializing a moment, experience, or feeling. How do we sustainably express our gratitude and care to our loved ones this holiday season? Here’s some things to consider when shopping for gifts this holiday season. Don’t Be Afraid To Give A Piece of Yourself Make it personal. The moments you have shared with this person are definitely worth celebrating. Inside jokes, little moments, shared milestones, trips together, these memories are gifts waiting to be wrapped. Creating a time capsule in a keepsake box or tote can really make a person feel cherished. Know Your Person Pay attention to the other person’s aesthetics. Their social media must be full with things they like. They might even have a wishlist posted somewhere. Are they a fair trade fashion enthusiast but you don’t know their size? Easy! You don’t have to be awkward to obtain information but you might have to be sneaky. Ask mutual friends if they know or ask someone of similar stature what their size is. Most people will be happy to help you out but when in doubt, go for something cozy. Something relaxing like a hoodie or fleece crew can be versatile and offer an easy fit that can give you flexibility in terms of sizing. Be Open If all seems lost, be open. Ask your person, “Hey I would really love to give you something like ____ for the holiday season. Would that be something you would enjoy?” You don’t have to be super specific but communication will ensure the what you get will be enjoyed for a long time. Remember, open and honest friendships are a gift all in itself. No Waste November Do you know someone who likes super soft clothes that make you feel good AND makes a positive impact? We’ve got you covered. Shop GOEX Apparel through the month of November and save 20% on all rib garments. That’s right! Every garment crafted from remnant fabric that would otherwise be tossed aside, is on sale. Shopping triblend? Our triblend rib garments actually divert waste from landfills twice – first the plastic bottles used in the fabric and then the rib fabric again when we use the remnants. No waste November. No waste ever. GOEX Holiday Gift Guide Need inspiration on your quest for gifts with impact? Check out our GOEX holiday gift guide here:
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No Waste November: Your Unique Closet
One of our goals for 2021 is to Continue to Grow Sustainability Efforts. So far we’ve introduced buttons, labels, drawcords, twill tape and packaging made from recycled plastic. We have also introduced a line of garments created from remnant fabric diverting waste from landfills – our ladies rib tee, rib tank and rib cardigan are all created from scrap fabric. We added zippers to the assortment of components using recycled plastics. We will also continue to expand our assortment of garments made of eco-triblend fabric diverting more plastic from landfills. Plus, we are reusing boxes that originate in Haiti. This November, we are reflecting on our commitment to reducing waste. We will be highlighting sustainability all month long so that we can further instill the cultivation of environmental stewardship (Fair Trade Federation Principle #8) into our daily lives. This week is all about loving what's in our closet. As you can imagine, we at GOEX Apparel staff love our eco-friendly garments as much as you do. Some days we’ll come to the office and find we’re all wearing the same garments. Sometimes in the same color! The beautiful thing about working at GOEX Apparel is that although we all appreciate the same feel good/do good garments, we all have very unique individual styles. Here's how our staff like to style our ladies eco-triblend drop hem v-neck pocket tee: Styled Three Ways Executive Director, Jessica Ray compliments the curvature of our charcoal eco-triblend drop hem v-neck pocket tee with a sharp blazer from her closet. Sales Manager - Western Region, Jen Parlin brings a pop of color with a light wash denim jacket and multicolor fair trade beads. Market Advocate, Amber Solomon says her wardrobe is best described as," fun for me." She like her charcoal drop hem to be bold via our Woman up Ladies Eco-Triblend Drop Hem Tee. Make Every Purchase Count Your personality oozes into your style and we empower you to try new things. No Waste November doesn’t necessarily mean, “Absolutely no purchases.” It means make your purchases count. If you see something that makes you feel good (and makes the world better) then by all means make it happen - just don’t forget about the fabulous potential already in your closet. Explore and experiment with color, placement, and style. Mixing your basic staples with innovative and outspoken patterns can inspire a cardigan or dapper a fleece crew. Need something? Shopped your closet and STILL not finding what you’re looking for? We’ve got you covered. Shop GOEX Apparel through the month of November and save 20% on all rib garments. That’s right! Every garment crafted from remnant fabric that would otherwise be tossed aside, is on sale. Shopping triblend? Our triblend rib garments actually divert waste from landfills twice – first the plastic bottles used in the fabric and then the rib fabric again when we use the remnants. No waste November. No waste ever. Follow the story We strive to be bold with our words and represent the ideals we believe. If you like what we stand for, we want to share more! Stay in the loop by signing up to receive our newsletters and following us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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Royally Fair Trade
'Tis the season for fair trade and who is fairer than a princess? We recently got to spend a day with the fabulous friends of This Princess Life. About This Princess Life Serving safe and magical events in the Kansas City Metro Area, This Princess Life offers celebrations engulfed in fantasy and wonder. Their services include storytimes and sing-a-longs, fairy makeovers, personalized video messages, and more. This Princess Life is where memories of your celebration become happily-ever-after. The Fairest Of Them All Behind every princess is the drive for a better life, ambition, fearlessness, and compassion. Sound familiar? These same attributes motivate the fair trade movement. Fair trade is an approach to business and to development based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system. Very much like the princesses we grew up with, fair trade advocates are, “sick of swimming..ready to stand.” Your Inner Fair Trade Princess Cinderella is the queen of upcycling which is why she is looking absolutely grand in our white eco-triblend cardigan layered with a light blue eco-triblend tank. The rib cardigan is sewn from rib remnants leftover from making our standard triblend tees. It also contains recycled water bottles and diverts waste from landfills. Tiana values the power of dignified work. Showcasing our grass green eco-triblend ladies tee, Tiana not only looks amazing but she’s helping to sustain dignified, fair wage jobs that help families stay together. Ariel advocates for seizing opportunities. As a fair trade advocate, Ariel wants her teal eco-triblend tee to help keep her oceans clean and healthy, making a positive impact on the planet AND create social and economic opportunities through trading partnerships with marginalized producers. A strong, free thinker needs a tee to match. Belle is ready to spend the day celebrating the cultural diversity of communities, while seeking to create positive and equitable change in her marigold premium cotton tee. After, she’ll relax the evening away curled up with a hot cup of tea and a good book. There’s nothing sleepy about this look. Invoking gentility and grace, our Sleeping Beauty shines in our berry eco-triblend flowy tee layered with a rose eco-triblend tank. This super-soft, eco-friendly look feels great from waking from a 100 year nap to celebrating sweet 16. (Spindle and spinning wheel not included.) The fairest of them all, Snow White knows the meaning of true beauty. Featuring a cropped hem and a bold color, this red crop cotton tee looks great with high waisted slacks for a look so bright you’ll be singing to woodland creatures. Just be mindful of strangers with apples.. Squad Goals Our mission is clear- we are royally fair trade. We exist to make you feel good as we do good. Together, we work towards a healitier world and we couldn't ask for a better squad. Follow the story We strive to be bold with our words and represent the ideals we believe. If you like what we stand for, we want to share more! Stay in the loop by signing up to receive our newsletters and following us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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Fair Trade 101
You wake up in the morning and pour yourself a cup of coffee. After shaking off the sleepiness, you put on your outfit for the day, grab a snack to go, and head out to conquer the day. During your morning routine, do you ever think about the work that went into the elements of your daily life? Do you think about the farmers or the roasters of your coffee? The hands that assembled your shirt, packed it into a box, and sent it on it’s journey to you? Most of us buy thousands of items every year without a thought about the conditions they were made, the people that those products affect, and how it impacts the environment. Would you feel good about using exploitative goods? Of course not! However, we have sustained a way of life where it’s easy to add an item to your cart with little or no consideration for how it came to fruition. An appealing product that was affordable may be enough to secure a sale but what impact does it have on the quality of life of those who make it and on the planet? In the last 20 years, ethically made products have become much more accessible. With the rise of the internet, fair trade has grown from a tick on a to-do list to a full on worldwide movement. From red carpet walkers to mindful local bloggers, people are ready to remove their blinders and start making purchases with purchase. But what exactly is fair trade? What is Fair Trade? Fair trade is an approach to business and to development based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system. Fair trade enterprises incorporate nine principles into their daily operations. They are: Create opportunities Creating opportunities means an organization is dedicated to poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Interests of the makers and the communities are the supreme concern. Develop transparent and accountable relationships Transparency is the backbone of a fair trade organization. Cultivating consistent, respectful, open, and fair relationships for both customers and producers is vital. Build capacity Building capacity means proactive communication, financial and technical assistance, market information, and dialogue to develop makers’ independence. A maker’s skills and capacity are nurtured and empowered as well as their access to markets. Promote Fair Trade (Hey! We’re doing that now!) Fair trade organizations actively raise awareness about greater justice in the global economic system. They do so not only to their makers but to the world Pay promptly and fairly This is exactly how it sounds. Pay promptly and pay fairly. As we have stated earlier, makers are living breathing human beings. They deserve dignified work and to be liberated from poverty. Support safe and empowering working conditions All work environments are free from forced labor. Workplaces are places of empowerment, not oppression. There is no space for abuse, harassment, or turmoil of any kind. Ensure the rights of children There will be no child labor in the production of fair trade goods. Children have the right to security, education, and play. Fair trade organizations ensure those rights. Any involvement of children in the production of Fair Trade products (including learning a traditional art or craft) is always disclosed and monitored and does not adversely affect the children's well-being, security, educational requirements and need for play. Cultivate environmental stewardship Our generations have the ability to meet our own needs without compromising the needs of future generations. Fair trade organizations reduce, reclaim, reuse, and recycle wherever possible. Be excellent to each other and to the planet. Respect cultural identity Cultural diversity is celebrated, not appropriated. Fair trade organizations respect the traditions and techniques of makers and create positive equitable change. Marker needs are balanced with the cultural heritage of the maker. Knowing Your Purchase On your journey to purchase purposefully it’s important to identify the differences between for a cause, fair trade products, and fair trade organizations/businesses. Let’s look at the differences: For A Cause With the increasing number of companies whose products include a donation to any number of causes, it’s easy to classify them all as ethical or even fair trade. Usually these are products that are tied to a donation for a particular movement or issue. Too many “for cause” businesses negotiate lower costs for their products so they can afford to give back. That low cost of goods adversely affects the makers. In the same way that consumers are upset because companies pass higher tariffs onto them, manufacturers can only offer lower costs by keeping workers’ wages low or using lower quality, or questionably sourced raw materials. In short, if it’s not made with fair trade standards it’s not a fair trade product. Fair Trade Products A fair trade product is exactly that. It is a single product that meets the standards of fair trade. It’s made ethically with the maker and the planet in mind and that specific product has been verified by a 3rd party. However, creating a few or a line of fair trade products does not mean that the entire company can carry this label. Some of the products an organization offers may meet these standards but they have not gone through the verification process as a business or organization. Learn more about the World Fair Trade Organization’s product label and WFTO Guarantee status here. Fair Trade Companies that are fully committed to fair trade and have undergone the verification process from a third party organization can call themselves a fair trade enterprise. These companies don’t just buy and sell a few fair trade products, they live by the fair trade standards and encourage others to do the same. In short? Feel good. Do Good. Being a fair trade enterprise is a continued, conscious effort that requires constant introspection and full transparency. This journey is not only important for the makers and the planet. The consumer has a big part to play too. You can change lives through a simple purchase decision. Perhaps most importantly, your partnership sets an example in the marketplace that ethical commerce can affect systemic bottom-up change through the dignity of work. They say, “it takes a village.” We at GOEX Apparel say it takes the world. It’s a big dream but with everyone contributing, big dreams can come true.
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Hello from Life SA, in Haiti!
The beginning of fall has brought lots of new opportunities for us here at Life. As production is ramping up due to high demand, we found ourselves having to bring in new team members. This is great news for us, because providing sustainable jobs is one of our biggest goals. We are slowly but surely ramping up to where we want to be and it feels great. Life is good. You can just tell by the ambiance of the factory that there has been a shift. Machines are louder, everyone is focused, and there are a lot of new fabric colors in the building! Our hope is to keep our team busy and motivated. Looking forward to what the end of the year has in store for us. Follow the story We strive to be bold with our words and represent the ideals we believe. If you like what we stand for, we want to share more! Stay in the loop by signing up to receive our newsletters and following us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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