SPANNING THE GLOBE. A Guatemalan artisan creating textiles for Fair Anita, one of many vendors at this year’s Eau Claire Global Market. (Submitted photo)

As the holidays loom, do yourself (and the world) a favor and check out the Sixth Annual Eau Claire Global Market on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9am to 3pm at First Congregational United Church of Christ (310 Broadway St., Eau Claire). Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal from a global menu, some great seasonal gifts, or a sweet little treat for yourself – all in support of ethical causes – this colorful market’s got you covered.

From jewelry to baskets to textiles to holiday ornaments to pantry goods, the Eau Claire Global Market brings handcrafted products from around the world. Vendors representing nearly 30 countries are committed to promoting sustainable livelihoods and community development.

One of the market’s most popular vendors, Minneapolis-based Fair Anita, will be back with trendy jewelry and fashion accessories. But beyond the fact that their products are gorgeous and affordable, Fair Anita creates opportunities for women and girls, selling fair trade goods made by over 8,000 talented yet marginalized women in 16 countries. As Creative Women of the World puts it, “In other words, they are women investing in other women.”

Fair Anita creates opportunities for women and girls, selling fair trade goods made by over 8,000 talented yet marginalized women in 16 countries.

Fair Anita is a Public Benefit Corporation, part of a new trend in ethical business, prioritizing human and environmental wellbeing rather than profits for external shareholders. A few of the other vendors at the ECGM are similarly organized, allowing for efficient management. Procuring ethically-produced merchandise is a long process, which often includes traveling abroad, meeting and organizing makers, helping them source ethical materials as well as creating products that would be popular with customers, then transporting these goods to marketplaces like the Eau Claire Global Market.

Joy McBrien, founder of Fair Anita, says that they make the trek from Minneapolis to Eau Claire because there are “so many customers who are enthusiastic about the impact that fair trade supply chains can have on marginalized communities around the globe.” It’s a win-win situation for everyone!

Eau Claire Global Market • First Congregational United Church of Christ, 310 Broadway St., Eau Claire • 9am to 3pm, Saturday, Nov. 11 • Find it on Facebook