Looking to buy an area rug? Make sure it's GoodWeave certified!

 

Did you know that over 250,000 children in S Asia are illegally employed in rug factories weaving rugs that ultimately end up on American’s floors? This industry is one of the largest “employers” of child labor in the world. GoodWeave, and its predecessor, RugMark, are the organization behind the GoodWeave certification program that ensures the rug you are purchasing for your home was not made by child labor. This program helps to free these child slave-laborers (over 3600 saved so far!) and provides each of the with the opportunity to go to school. The purchase of a GoodWeave certified rug helps to fund the daycares, early education and school sponsorship for children of adult weavers, adult literacy programs and health clinics.

 

While educating designers, retailers and importers about the GoodWeave rug certification program, the consumer is also a vital part to help break this cycle of child slavery. As a consumer you can:

l      Make sure to look for the GoodWeave label which is on the back of each certified rug,

l      When working with a designer, make sure to specify that this is the type of rug you want in your space (although most designers SHOULD be educated as to this labeling/certification).

l      Educate your friends, family & co-workers about this under-the-radar tragedy.

 

 

In return, RugMark will ensure that:

l      The manufacturers have pledged not to employ illegal child labor.

l      GoodWeave inspectors “secret shop” rug manufacturers to ensure that they are delivering on their no-child-labor promise.

l      A contribution is made to support GoodWeave’s monitoring, inspections and education programs with each purchase and donation.

 

RugMark has certified more than 5.5 million carpets since 1995, reducing the number of child weavers is S Asia by three-quarters!  For more information on child labor and child labor laws world-wide, click here.

 

 

Visit a Faces of Freedom exhibit is a traveling photo exhibition that shows you the looms and inside some of the most notorious carpet factories of S Asia. Photographed by U Robert Romano, award-winning human rights educator, filmmaker & photographer between 1996 and 2007. 

 

Click here to find the complete list (and there's many!) of local Milwaukee retailers that carry GoodWeave certified rugs.  Just enter your zip code for list.