Think Bigg

Here’s something I didn’t know: as one of South Asia’s top export products, the handmade carpet industry exploits nearly 300,000 children in South Asia and is a major “employerâ€? of child labor. According to the RugMark Foundation,

Children ages 4 to 14 are kidnapped or trafficked, then sold into debt bondage or forced labor. They are subject to malnutrition, impaired vision and deformities from sitting long hours in cramped loom sheds. They suffer respiratory diseases from inhaling wool fibers and wounds from using sharp tools.

How can you help? Purchase carpets with the RugMark seal of approval.

The RugMark Foundation is an international nonprofit organization devoted to ending child labor in the handmade carpet industry in South Asia by providing a labelling certification that the carpet was produced without the use of child labor.

These designs by Angela Adams are an example of just one of several retailers to offer this child-labor-free guarantee on their traditional hand-tufted wool rugs.

While RugMark has so far managed to impact only about 1.5% of the handmade-rug market in the United States, they estimate that just a 15% increase in market share of RugMark certified rugs would eliminate child labor in South Asia’s handmade carpet and rug industry.

For more information on how to find a certified RugMark rug, read on.

How will I know if my rug was made by children who were exploited?
Look for the certified and numbered RugMark label on the back of an imported rug. It’s your best assurance that no children were exploited in the manufacture of the carpet or rug. You can verify your RugMark rug online and trace its origin.

How much more does a RugMark certified rug cost?
The cost to the consumer is typically only half a percent of the total retail price. On a $2,000 rug, that amounts to only $10. That’s a small price to pay for a child to enjoy childhood. Plus, the sale of the rugs helps fund rehabilitation and education programs for children who previously were exploited in the carpet industry.

How can I explain to my interior designer, architect or local carpet dealer that I want a RugMark certified rug?
Just ask them to show you rugs with the RugMark label. Your interior designer or architect can view the online Rug Showroom or find a conveniently located showroom.

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