A twice-weekly sharing of eco-shwag.
Today’s giveaway’s a pretty reusable Marseilles tote from French Basketeer.
It’s got a traditional African motif with black simulated leather handles and corners, fully lined in raffia, and a interior zip pocket.
The basket’s made of raffia with a cotton (probably not organic, though I’m waiting for confirmation on that) lining, under fair trade conditions in Madagascar and Morocco, almost entirely by hand, in an industry dominated by women.
Andrea Drexelius says she plans to make French Basketeer a member of the Fair Trade Federation — she just has to be in biz for 6 months first, as per FTF’s requirements.
According to Andrea, the basket’s expected to last 10+ years, even when used for heavy loads. The tote’s roomy; go here for deets on measurements.
Prices on the baskets start at $40 online, with free shipping — or you can check ‘em out first hand before plunking down the cash at Magpie (1141 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach) or Follow Your Heart (21825 Sherman Way, Canoga Park).
Due to the size and weight of the basket, the giveaway’s open only to LA-area people who can pick up the basket from Santa Monica. Comment or email by Sunday to get into the drawing, which’ll happen Monday (more info on freebies here).
Ooh, I’d love to have this!
Comment by meg — August 22, 2008 @ 10:30 am
girl, you share the best stuff! is there a moratorium on giveaways?
Comment by lorena — August 22, 2008 @ 12:09 pm
lovely basket- lovely website.
Cheers!
Comment by Hayley — August 22, 2008 @ 3:12 pm
nice basket. and thanks for all of the heads-ups on green events in L.A. The Sustainable L.A. fair last Sunday was cool.
Comment by Tany — August 22, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
Cool bag and an excuse to visit Santa Monica? Yes, please!
thanks!
Comment by Erika — August 22, 2008 @ 5:20 pm
Would be an awesome gift for my younger sister! I’m in the LA area and would definatly drive out to SaMo to pick up this beautiful work of art. *Fingers crossed for the drawing*
Comment by Chris Meehan — August 22, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
Add me to the list. I’m just around the corner in Mar Vista. :)
Comment by Kim Hover — August 23, 2008 @ 6:35 pm
Thank you for entering me in Fridays freebies and enjoy your weekend.
Comment by Michele — August 23, 2008 @ 8:38 pm
Once again a beautiful basket…
Comment by Emily — August 24, 2008 @ 11:48 pm
The basket goes to Meg — but if you didn’t win, don’t be discouraged! More pretty French Basketeer totes’ll be given away soon.
Comment by Siel — August 25, 2008 @ 11:41 am