# Beads to Fight Poverty BeadForLife Sells Fair Trade Jewelry and Shea Butter Made in Uganda By Bianca | Published 2012-03-02 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beadforlife References: [beadforlifestore.org](http://beadforlifestore.org/) BeadForLife is a non-profit that offers women in Uganda fair income opportunities through the sale of shea butter (which they make from shea nuts they gather themselves) as well as colourful beads made from recycled paper. These products are then sold in the global marketplace, both through their online shop and through "BeadParties" that allow supporters to sell the colourful eco beads to their social circles while raising awareness. "Our members are impoverished, hardworking and intelligent women with a strong desire to improve their lives," BeadforLife explains. "Our members in Kampala and Iganga make beautiful [handcrafted paper beads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pretty-weird) from recycled paper and turn them into necklaces, bracelets and earrings. While the farmers in Otuke collect the finest quality shea nuts which they sell to BeadforLife." The certified [Fair Trade](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ethical-coconut-oil) company is based in Boulder, Colorado and has the mission to help reduce extreme poverty (those living on $1.25 a day or less) in Uganda through what they're calling the "BeadCircle." The BeadforLife team is also active on [Facebook](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buyblack) (12k+ likes!) and Twitter, and has a blog and newsletter to help increase awareness. **Contact Information** BeadforLife [website](http://beadforlifestore.org/) BeadforLife on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/#!/beadforlife) BeadforLife on [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/beadforlife?sk=info) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Fair Trade Opportunities:** Exploring partnerships with non-profits that offer fair income opportunities can lead to disruptive innovations that improve the quality of life for impoverished communities. - **Sustainable Product Manufacturing:** Companies that incorporate eco-friendly practices, such as recycling and using sustainable resources, can set themselves apart as socially responsible and environmentally conscious. - **Social Media Awareness Campaigns:** Leveraging social media platforms to raise awareness and promote social causes can help organizations gain a following and increase engagement with supporters. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion Industry:** Integrating eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing processes into fashion production can lead to disruptive innovations that satisfy consumer demand for ethical and eco-conscious products. - **Beauty and Personal Care Industry:** Using sustainable ingredients, such as shea butter, in cosmetic products can help businesses stand out from competitors while also supporting fair income opportunities for marginalized communities. - **Non-profit Sector:** Exploring new partnerships and leveraging social media to raise awareness can lead to disruptive innovations for non-profits, enabling them to better serve their mission and align with socially conscious consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Social Good Chocolate Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kabalagala-clusters.md) - [D2C Artisan Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artisan-marketplace1.md) - [Breast Cancer Awareness Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olaeda-hopeful-heart-bracelet-for-breast-cancer-awareness.md) - [Ethical Coconut Oils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ethical-coconut-oil.md) - [Stunning Cause-Supporting Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prayerbowls.md) - [Social Good Brand Practices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dignity-coconuts.md) - [Handmade Ghanaian Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-proba.md) - [Ethical Cosmetics Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sabrina-elba.md) - [Women-Designed Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaillard-jewelry.md)