Eden

Hey guys!  So i just saw a movie called Eden which is about a girls who is trafficked into sex slavery and all of the situations she encounters, it is created and somewhat based on a lady who is a survivor of human trafficking.  The movie is fantastic and I expected it to be very violent and grueling to watch but the makers of the film did a fantastic job at keeping it PG while not being oblivious to the monstrosity of sex slavery.  Right now it is playing in Beverly Hills California and in New York but only for a limited time only so please check it out if you live in any of those two areas.  Or you may be able to get it on netflix or buy it from youtube.

From wiki:

Eden, a young Korean-American girl, is abducted near her home in New Mexico and forced into prostitution by a domestic human and drug trafficking ring located outside the bright lights of Las Vegas, Nevada. Throughout the two years she is held, Eden reluctantly ensures her own survival by carving out power and influence within the very organization that has imprisoned her.

Eden is a feature length dramatic film released in 2013. The film stars Jamie Chung, Matt O'Leary andBeau Bridges. It was directed by Megan Griffiths, who co-wrote the screenplay with Richard B. Phillips. The film was produced by Colin Harper Plank and Jacob Mosler through Plank's Centripetal Films production company. It is based on the harrowing true-life story of Chong Kim, who was kidnapped and sold into a domestic human trafficking ring in the mid 1990's ^[1]. The film had its world premiere at the 2012 South by Southwest Film 

Protect Yourself

     A huge way that you can help prevent human trafficking is by protecting yourself.  There have been many incidents in which a girl (usually teen) meets a guy who she thinks is into him.  The girl gets in a fight with her parents and the guy offers to take care of her, she goes with him and ends up being trafficked into sex slavery/prostitution.  This can happen to both genders.    

     Kids- You know how your parents always said don't talk to strangers?  Listen to them!

     If someone is ever trying to get you to go with them you need to make sure they are a reliable person, NOT someone you barely know a thing a lot. 

     Something you can do to secure your safety when you are on a date with someone you don't know too well (maybe you met them online) is to tell a friend or a parent where you are going, who you will be with, and what time you expect to be back at, maybe even give them your date's number.  The reason so many people are trafficked is because they don't tell anybody.

     Always remember the Buddy System.  You are much safer when you are with someone (that you know) then when you are alone.  I still use the buddy system with my sister, it sucks because she is always going to the restroom and I have to go with her if we are at a public place, but I know it's worth it because I don't want anything to happen to her.  Women should especially use this system because they are more vulnerable then men.  ALL women should use this, kids, collage students, adults, seniors, EVERYONE!

Check in with you parents.  If someone comes to your school and says they are coming to pick you up, confirm with you parents if you don't already have confirmation.    

If your are left alone at home:  Kids:  If someone knocks on the door and you do not know them, do NOT answer the door!  No matter who they are.  Do not go near any window were they may be able to see you.  Call your parents or guardians and tell them someone is at the door, your parents may know the person and may say they are totally fine, or your parents may not know the person and in that case you should keep them on the phone.  Adults-  Especially women should not open the door if they are alone.  For men it depends.

Try to make the right choices, there are so many people that wish they had made the right decision, yes humans make mistakes and that is part of life, but some choices ( like leaving with someone you don't know) can cost you A LOT.

FAIR TRADE VALENTINES DAY CHOCOLATE!!!!

     As we all know, Valentines day is coming up in about 2 and a half weeks!  This day is lovely for couple!  For people like me, singles, it may suck!... But that doesn't mean we can't buy some cute FAIR TRADE goodies for our family and friends!  
BTW-  For those of you who are still in school (such as I) and your school likes to have candy grams, talk to the board about using fair trade chocolates this Valentines Day!

Now Here are some delicious Fair Trade chocolates... 


http://www.equalexchange.coop/chocolate-bars

http://www.divinechocolateusa.com/default.aspx

http://mama-ganache.com/

http://www.traderjoes.com/

http://www.sees.com/

I hope everyone has a fantastic Valentines Day!!!  Don't forget to follow by email for my latest posts!  And feel free to comment below.

Much love, 

Gabrielle.

INDIGENOUSE - Organic - Fair Trade Fashion

     know that it's hard for some of you, even me, to give up all sweatshop stores and that's okay.  Our goal is to reduce the amount of products we buy that use sweatshops and slavery.  Even if you have qualms about certain things you buy it doesn't mean you can't upgrade your wardrobe!  I adore this fashion line because not only is it fair trade but it is also organic!  What more could you ask for????

     Check out http://www.indigenous.com/ for their too die for clothing!!!!  

workshop

Hey guyzz,

So I am in a workshop at my school called Social Justice Through Creativity and I am trying to come up with a way to raise money for an organization called "Free The Slaves."  what do you suggest I could do to earn more money?  Comment below!!!

p.s  I apologize for my lack of consistency, I meant to post something every day or two.

American Apparel's New Line States Sweatshop Free!

     I was looking through a magazine and stumbled over a page about American Apparel's new line called "Made In U.S Denim"  and at the bottom of the page it said "Sweatshop Free."  It makes me feel really good to know that major companies such as this are taking a step in the right direction.  

Visit their website www.americanapparel.net and check out all of their super cute clothing for boys and girls!

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?  Comment below!   

Winter Gifts and Shopping!

Winter is here!  A time for gifts.  Now I know that Christmas and Hanukkah have passed but there may be some of you who want to buy a friend a present before you go back to school.  Maybe you got a gift card or some money for Christmas or Hanukkah... And you don't know how to spend it.  Here are two wonderful jewelry companies that do not use sweatshops or slavery, recommended by me!

Dogeared Jewelry and Gifts

I suggest their 2013 "Make a Wish Collection"
I actually got a "Make a Wish" Necklace for my 3rd grade teacher one year and she absolutely loved it! So go ahead and check out www.Dogeared.com  where you can order their fabulous products.
My friend's mom owns the company.  Their jewelry is beautiful.

Brighton: Handbags, Jewelry, Charms & Eyewear Made With Love

I have shopped at this store many times.  Their products make WONDERFUL gifts!  The workers are very nice and welcoming.  At their stores they offer complementary cookies and water bottles.  They also allow dogs to come into the store and give them doggy treats.  AREN'T THEY THE BEST!  Not only do they not use sweatshops, not only do they make wonderful gifts, but they are also pretty affordable!  So check out their website www.brighton.com

I suggest their Charm Collection.  I got it for my mom one Mother's Day.  She loved it! 

WINTER SHOPPING!

Winter shopping is all about sweaters, boots, and scarves!  I love going back to school after winter break in style!  Here are some fashionable companies that do not use slavery or sweatshops!

                                                www.H&M.com

Shop in style, but shop for a good purpose...
H&M fits all styles and ages!
  

$34.95
Available in red and grey
Warm and stylish!

Scarf
$17.95
A great accesory to any outfit!











With some comfy boots and warm leggings, this is the perfect outfit!  And from a store that doesn't use sweatshops... Okaaaay!!!!!!

For those of you that are young fashionistas.  Or those of you who love summer in the winter!  I recommend a great company that hand makes all of their products!  www.bambiandmanson.co.uk 

All of their shorts are sold out right now but they have a new collection coming soon called LALALAND!  Here are some of their awesome hand made products.

 

Any questions, comments, or suggestions???  

Comment below!