The market tote for hardcore locals. You have a complex relationship with your city. It’s a love/hate thing. One moment it amazes you, making you feel all hashtag-blessed, and the next you’re like, WTF?? You see all its glorious potential and it still breaks your heart on the regular. But goddamnit, it’s YOUR city, come rain or shine. 

Our favorite Portlanders have grit and heart in equal parts. Yes, we complain loudly and often, but we’re also working in our own ways to help Portland evolve into a place that’s safe, beautiful and equitable for all. For every bag purchased, FORD GREY donates $10 per bag to local non-profit, p:ear. p:ear builds positive relationships with homeless youth through education, art, recreation and job training to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives.  For more info, visit pearmentor.org

So….buying this tote helps break the poverty cycle for single mothers in Bangladesh (see more about Apolis below) for AND helps support youth struggling in our own backyard. 

FROM APOLIS: 

Your purchase helps break a poverty cycle. The mothers who handcraft your bag receive Fair Trade wages, annual profit dividends, and a retirement fund to help them achieve their dreams thanks to the Bangladesh Project.

Location: Saidpur, Bangladesh

Factory Code: BAN-LAT33.7099/LON90.4071

Employees: 200+

What's the story behind the factory? Following the 1971 war that established Bangladesh and brought with it poverty and disease, Saidpur Enterprises began in 1976 as a project to help the mothers of malnourished children with employment producing jute handicrafts and now supports artisans selling for a larger fair trade export market.They also provide literary classes, training on nutrition, women's legal rights, educational awareness and finance.