It’s been a long while since I’ve done a giveaway, so you know it would have to be a special company that brings me out of my lull. And Dsenyo is nothing if not special.
This company, founded by Marissa Perry Saints, was started with a singular purpose: To provide economic and social opportunity for women in Malawi, Africa. After living and working there, artist Marissa Perry Saints founded Dsenyo to give struggling women and artisans a chance to earn a living. They handcraft gorgeous handbags, aprons and other accessories that feature beautiful African textiles, and every item is Fair Trade — meaning that the artisans are not just paid, but paid fairly.
The company also donates a portion of their sales to community development projects in Malawi and partners with nonprofit organizations to help them raise money. In addition, Dsenyo products are made with low-impact dyes and sustainable fibers like jute, hemp and organic cotton whenever possible, and they reuse textile remnants and compost organic scrap material. Even better, their “Old for New” recycling program allows customers to send back their used Dsenyo bags so that the materials can be reused, recycled and composted. Plus, the customer gets 10% off their next purchase.
If the back story wasn’t enough, you can see from the photos above that these products are beautiful! Dsenyo has been featured in the Green Gift Guide for several years, with good reason. I’ve always been a fan of African print fabrics, and these are the perfect way to inject a little bit of it into any wardrobe. What’s not to love?
Why It’s Green:
- Items are handmade AND Fair Trade
- Items are made with sustainable materials like hemp and organic cotton whenever possible
Price: Gifts from $8-135
Bonus Coupon!
Grab Dsenyo’s beautiful, handmade gifts for the special people on your list and get 10% off with coupon code “GREENDEC10“!
Want to Win?
Are you sold on Dsenyo? I definitely am, and I can think of a few ladies on my Christmas list who would love to receive a gift handcrafted with care. You, however, have a chance to win a beautiful denim button bag in your choice of print!
Just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. Javascript must be enabled to to see the Rafflecopter. If you still cannot see it, wait for the page to load completely, or refresh the page. U.S. and Canada mailing addresses only! Entry period ends at 12:00 a.m. 12/15/11.
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I’m Jennae Petersen, and I’m a lot of things. A mother, a graphic artist, a connosieur of beautiful interiors and a purveyor of all things design. Green Your Decor was borne of frustration in my attempts to find eco-friendly housewares that were also beautiful, and inspiration to do something to reduce my own carbon footprint and help others do the same in a beautiful way.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Lovin’ the Flower Alligator Clips & African Basket Ornaments!
Sheena Tatum recently posted { Beautiful Mornings }
They have so many lovely things on their site! But the coil earings though—- are my favorite http://shop.dsenyo.com/collections/frontpage/products/woven-coil-earrings
I love both the denim bags(hip and button). I also would love a pair of
the pajama pants!
I like the denim tote. Perfect for carrying stitching projects.
I love the swing bags best!
The coil earrings are super cute, but I like the Denim Button Bag the most…
I like the change purse.
the handmade toys are adorbale : )
toiletry bag
I like the African Basket Ornaments.
I really like the woven tray. I can see it on my wall.
I really like the lightweight hobo.
Renee recently posted { Rock n Roll New Orleans 12.12.12 }
That denim tote would go so well with everything! I want it!
Shay recently posted { How to Buy the Right Shampoo }