The Mala Carpet is a rug design that was developed for the Mala Project, an organization that builds schools in India in order to cut down on child labor. The rug's design takes inspiration from vintage Moroccan carpets and features a simple black and white pattern made in 100% New Zealand wool. There are three rug sizes available and all of the proceeds from the hand-knotted rug go towards providing meals, clothing, shoes, healthcare and school supplies to Indian kids in need.
The design by Madeline Weinrib is neutral enough for any home, making it a feature piece with a story that's worth sharing with others. The Mala Project has been incredibly successful so far, building 10 schools in India, and enrolling over 7,500 kids.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Charitable Design
- Opportunity for other designers to create products that support charitable causes
- Socially Responsible Purchasing
- Shift in consumer behavior towards purchasing products that give back to society
- Philanthropic Marketing
- Marketing of products as giving back to a particular charitable cause
Industries Being Reshaped
- Textile
- The textile industry can create more products with a social cause
- Nonprofit
- Nonprofit organizations can collaborate with designers to create products that support their causes
- Retail
- Retail companies can market products that support a particular charitable cause
