Earth Day 2025

Every April, Earth Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to care for the planet we all call home. But at Ten Thousand Villages, every day is Earth Day. As a pioneer of the fair trade movement , our mission is rooted in environmental stewardship and human dignity.

For almost 80 years, Ten Thousand Villages has been a leader in ethical shopping and our products reflect the brand’s deep-rooted belief that business can - and should - be a force for good.

Our artisan partners around the globe use traditional crafting methods passed down through generations that utilize sustainable, locally sourced and recycled materials. From handwoven baskets in Bangladesh to upcycled sari goods from India, every piece tells a story of resilience, creativity, ingenuity and respect for the Earth.

We’d like to share a few stories about some of our favorite products that help you live an eco-conscious lifestyle.

The Wonder of  Laundry Soap Nuts from the Sapindus Mukorossi Tree  

In a world full of synthetic detergents and harsh chemicals, there's something quite magical about finding a natural alternative that’s been used for centuries - and still works wonders today. Enter the soap nut, or soapberry, the fruit of the Sapindus mukorossi tree , a powerhouse of natural cleaning straight from the forests of Nepal and India.

What Are Soap Nuts?

Soap nuts are actually not nuts at all - they're the dried shells of the fruit of the Sapindus mukorossi tree, which grows abundantly in the Himalayan foothills. These humble brown shells are packed with a natural surfactant called saponin, which works like soap when it comes into contact with water.

For generations, local communities in Nepal and India have harnessed soap nuts for everything from washing clothes to making natural shampoos and household cleaners. Today, their popularity is spreading across the globe as people look for eco-friendly, zero-waste alternatives to conventional cleaning products.

How Do They Work?

It’s almost magical how simple they are to use: toss a few soap nuts into a small cotton bag, drop the bag into your washing machine and wash as usual. The saponin is released in the water, gently cleansing your clothes without any artificial fragrances, dyes or chemicals. They’re especially great for those with sensitive skin or allergies. An easy first step into green living!

Soap nuts can also be simmered in water to make liquid soap, which can be used as a natural cleaner, shampoo or body wash. Think of it as nature’s all-in-one detergent .

Why Choose Soap Nuts?

• 100% Natural and Biodegradable - Unlike commercial detergents, soap nuts are completely plant-based and compostable. Once they’ve released all their saponin, you can toss them into your compost pile.
• Gentle on Skin and Fabrics - They’re hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals, making them ideal for baby clothes, delicate fabrics and people with sensitive skin.
• Economical + Long-Lasting - A small bag of soap nuts can last for dozens of washes. They’re reusable up to 4–6 times per batch, depending on water temperature and load size.
• Sustainable + Ethically Sourced - The Sapindus mukorossi tree doesn’t just clean your clothes, it helps support rural economies in Nepal and India. Many soap nuts are harvested by hand by local farmers, providing an eco-conscious livelihood in these regions.

Tips for Using Soap Nuts

• Use 4–5 shells per load in a cloth bag or sock.
• For cold water washes, soak the nuts in hot water first to help release the saponin.
• Add essential oils to the rinse cycle if you want a fragrant finish (soap nuts are scent-free).
• Store them in a dry place - they can last for years if kept properly.

From Forest to Fabric

The journey of the soap nut - from the forests of Nepal and India to your laundry room - is a testament to nature’s brilliance and humanity’s age-old wisdom. In a time when reducing our environmental footprint is more important than ever, soap nuts offer a simple switch that’s gentle on your skin, your wallet, and the planet.

So next time you do laundry, consider swapping the synthetic suds for a green clean.

Buy Laundry Soap Nuts at Ten Thousand Villages

Paws for the Planet: Celebrate Earth Day with the  Cat Tails Sterling Silver Ring  

This Earth Day, let your jewelry tell a story - not just of style, but of sustainability, fairness and global connection. Each of these charming, stylized pieces is expertly handcrafted by skilled silversmiths from Allpa , a Peruvian fair trade organization that empowers local artisans to thrive by preserving traditional techniques, earning fair wages and working in safe environments. More than a charming accessory, it’s a wearable reminder that conscious choices - however small - can make a meaningful impact.

A Symbol of Whimsy - and Responsibility

Delicately sculpted with a sweet feline face and curled tail, this 925 sterling silver ring is perfect for animal lovers and ethical fashionistas alike. Most importantly, behind its playful design is a serious commitment to fair trade principles and earth-friendly practices.

Why This Ring Is Perfect for Earth Day

Earth Day is all about recognizing how our everyday choices affect the planet and its people. This little silver cat does more than sit cutely on your finger, it also represents:

• Fair trade: Ensures fair wages and sustainable livelihoods for Peruvian artisans
• Handmade: Supports traditional metalworking techniques, minimizing industrial waste
• Sustainable materials: Made with sterling silver, a durable and recyclable metal
• Animal-inspired: A nod to the creatures we share our planet with and a reminder to protect them

Wear What You Believe In

Every time you slip on this ring, you're not just showing off your affection for our feline friends, you're honoring craftsmanship, sustainability and global equity . It’s a conversation starter and a statement piece rolled into one!

Small Jewelry. Big Impact.

So this Earth Day, skip the fast fashion and choose something that matters. The Cat Tails Sterling Silver Ring is cute, conscious and crafted with care…proof that your accessories can reflect both your style and your values.

Buy Cat Tails Sterling Silver Ring at Ten Thousand Villages

Sip Sustainably: Celebrating Earth Day with the Mountain Peaks Ceramic Tea Pot 

This Earth Day, what better way to honor our planet than by making mindful, sustainable choices? A great way to start is with your morning cup of tea and the Mountain Peaks Ceramic Tea Pot , a beautiful blend of artistry, ethical craftsmanship and eco-conscious living.

Inspired by Nature, Crafted with Care

Handcrafted by artisans in Nepal , this ceramic teapot is more than just a kitchen essential, it’s a celebration of the natural world. The serene design, featuring soft blue hues and minimalist mountain peaks, evokes the tranquility of a highland sunrise. Every detail reflects the harmony and balance of nature, reminding us to slow down and sip with intention.

A Fair Trade Favorite

Ten Thousand Villages is a pioneer in the fair trade movement and this teapot is a shining example of our commitment to ethical sourcing. When you choose the Mountain Peaks Ceramic Tea Pot, you’re supporting skilled artisans from Association for Craft Producers in Nepal who are paid fairly and work in safe conditions. You’re also empowering communities and protecting cultural craftsmanship from disappearing.

Why It’s Perfect for Earth Day

Earth Day is about more than planting trees; it’s about choosing a lifestyle that respects people and the planet. This teapot checks all the boxes:

• Sustainable materials: Made from locally sourced ceramic clay
• Handcrafted: No mass production, just mindful creation
• Low-impact production: Fired in small batches, reducing waste and energy
• Fair trade certified : Ensuring dignity and opportunity for global artisans

A Daily Ritual, A Global Impact

Whether you’re brewing a calming chamomile or a bold Earl Grey, this teapot transforms your tea ritual into a moment of reflection. Each pour is a quiet statement: we can enjoy beauty without exploitation, and we can make choices that nurture our planet.

This Earth Day, brew something beautiful. Choose products that reflect the values you believe in. And let the Mountain Peaks Ceramic Tea Pot remind you - every day is a chance to live gently on this earth.

Buy Mountain Peaks Ceramic Tea Pot | Ten Thousand Villages

And remember, when you shop with Ten Thousand Villages, you’re supporting:

• Sustainable materials like jute, recycled glass and ethically harvested wood
• Eco-friendly production with low-impact, handcrafted techniques
• Fair wages that empower artisans to care for their families and communities
• A circular economy that reduces waste and supports long-term environmental care

This Earth Day, we invite you to choose ethical, eco-conscious living - not just as a trend, but as a commitment to justice for people and the planet. Whether you’re gifting a handcrafted treasure or decorating your home, every purchase is a small act of hope.

When you support Ten Thousand Villages, you’re not just shopping, you’re participating in a story of dignity, sustainability and intention.

Together, we can make sustainability more than a buzzword. We can make it a way of life.

Shop fair. Shop earth friendly. Shop for change.

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