All sectors Funding Sustainability The Tote Project

Asheville, United states of America
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The Tote Project is a socially responsible company that's making waves with its mission to empower survivors of human trafficking. This fair trade organization creates stunning tote bags while promoting dignity and fair wages for its makers. Each unique bag tells the story of a survivor who's been given a second chance. By choosing The Tote Project, you're supporting a movement that's reducing the demand for fast fashion and slave-made goods. Their commitment to fair trade practices ensures that employees work in safe conditions and receive fair compensation. With every purchase, you're contributing to the fight against human trafficking and helping survivors rebuild their lives.The Tote Project is more than just a brand – it's a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom and economic stability. By joining their movement, you're helping create a world where dignity and compassion prevail. Tote Project uses environmentally responsible packaging materials and prints most orders on demand to avoid overstock. They partner with fair trade suppliers that pay fair wages and treat workers with dignity. The Tote Project donates 10 percent of profits to support awareness campaigns, trafficking prevention for foster care youth, career academies for trafficking survivors, and therapeutic art classes for survivors and their children. They are a verified member of Fair Trade Federation and a member of Fair Trade Los Angeles.
Fay Grant and Michelle Chavez
Co founders
Operating since 2013
2-7 Members
Eco-system
Cities and Towns
Villages
Sub-sectors
Fair Trade
Natural products
Sustainable Business
“Every purchase is more than a product — it’s a step toward freedom, dignity, and empowerment for survivors.
Fair Trade Practices: The Tote Project collaborates with certified fair-trade manufacturers who uphold the highest ethical standards in labor practices. Employees are treated with dignity and respect, provided fair wages, and work in safe, supportive environments. This commitment ensures that every stage of production respects human rights and contributes to a sustainable livelihood, empowering workers while building a reliable and socially responsible supply chain. Customers can feel confident that their purchases support ethical, justice-oriented commerce.
Sustainable Materials: All products are crafted using environmentally conscious materials, including recycled sari fabrics, organic cotton, and non-toxic, eco-friendly inks. This dedication to sustainability reduces the environmental footprint of every bag and accessory produced. By choosing recycled and renewable materials, The Tote Project demonstrates its commitment to protecting natural resources and combating climate change while maintaining high-quality, durable, and stylish products that customers can proudly own and gift.
Unique Design Process: Every tote bag is a canvas that tells a story. The design process is carefully curated to reflect the experiences and creativity of the survivor who handcrafted it, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. This personalization transforms functional accessories into meaningful art, celebrating resilience and individuality. Customers not only purchase a beautiful, functional bag but also carry a symbol of empowerment, hope, and personal storytelling that connects them to the social mission behind the product.
Empowerment through Employment: The Tote Project provides comprehensive job training, mentorship, and stable employment opportunities for women who have survived human trafficking. By equipping them with marketable skills and ongoing support, the organization enables these women to rebuild their lives with dignity, independence, and confidence. This empowerment goes beyond employment; it fosters personal growth, emotional healing, and a sense of belonging within a community that values their contributions, ultimately creating long-term positive impact for survivors and their families.
Transparent Supply Chain: Transparency is central to The Tote Project’s operations. Every step of production is documented and shared with customers, from sourcing raw materials to the crafting of finished products. This ensures that customers are fully informed about where their purchases originate, who made them, and the ethical standards maintained throughout the process. By providing this level of visibility, the brand builds trust, accountability, and credibility, allowing conscious consumers to make informed decisions and actively support ethical and responsible commerce.
Community Engagement: The Tote Project actively engages with local communities to raise awareness about human trafficking, exploitation, and social justice issues. Through educational programs, workshops, and advocacy campaigns, the organization empowers individuals to participate in meaningful social change. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, they create a network of informed advocates who support survivors, promote ethical consumerism, and contribute to long-lasting societal transformation. This community-centric approach amplifies impact and ensures that the mission extends far beyond the products themselves.
Certificates & compliances
1 Fair trade
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