March 2008 Winner
Sweatshop free organic T-shirts made in Bethlehem, West Bank
Sweatshop free organic T-shirts made in Bethlehem, West Bank
Simply put, tags are keywords used to identify an idea. Just click on one of the tags below to find like-minded ideas.
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Q1: How does one find adequate investment for something that seems only slightly less risky than betting on peace in the Middle East?
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03.31.08 | 09:53 AMBy reaching out to a community that sees it as a worthy investment even if it is risky. And that is what your doing. Adequate, however, is relative. I think you need more exposure. You simply need to reach more people. Perhaps it would be worth the time and effort to try and get a feature on a morning television show or something huge like Oprah. More well-intentioned consumers need to know about NoSweat. Your growth right now is still mostly word-of-mouth, correct?
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by lostlo03.28.08 | 01:02 PMIf No Sweat went for the co-op suggestion (made by HarryO3 ), I would buy in. I'd buy in for a lot more than $25, too. I would rather invest $1000 in No Sweat than earn 3% interest.
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by HarryO303.25.08 | 09:38 PMSet up your company as a co-op and sell stock (memberships) into it and at the end of the year divide up the profit from the sale of the shirts less your over-head. Having various levels of memberships would be given various percentage of the profits from the sales. exp 400 memberships @ $25.00 =$10,000, 1,000 memberships @ $10.00 = $10,000 or combine some at $25.00 and some at $10.00 and some at $5.00 and even some at $100.00 shouldn't take long to get the money you require plus some. Remember, more memberships you sell the more shirts you can buy.
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What advice do you have to help me grow my idea?
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by uddojo04.01.08 | 12:13 AMI like the idea, although I think that providing more hemp clothing, vegan leather shoes, and "earthy" clothes, will bring in the same kind of socially-conscious customers that want to see peace in the middle-east or fair wages for workers.
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by uddojo04.01.08 | 12:12 AMI like the idea, although I think that providing more hemp clothing, vegan leather shoes, and "earthy" clothes, will bring in the same kind of socially-conscious customers that want to see peace in the middle-east or fair wages for workers.
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by GinaAnderson03.31.08 | 08:10 PMI heard about NoSweat some years ago and have ordered a number of times - great quality, I'm glad I'm supporting no sweatshops. I'd love to order more (have ordered socks, and socks, and socks, jeans), but there's little for me - I'm 40 something, don't wear T-shirts anymore, but I have some money to support what I think's important with my purchasing. There must be a good amount of your customers who are like me, maybe? I can only go through so many socks a year...! Best wishes, you're doing great work.
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by rdowning03.31.08 | 02:38 PMThe Bethlehem T-shirt endeavour has got to be one of the most incredible convergence of 3 of the most pressing issues:
(1) World conflict: It's a succesful ray of hope for one of the seemingly intractable world conflict regions, the Middle East;
(2) World labour abuses: It's sweatshop-free;
(3) Enviromental degradation: The T-shirts are organic;
Fabulous initiative - definitely has my vote (here and via my pocket book - I bought some T's);
(3)
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by labs11803.31.08 | 02:38 PMKeep The Work Going Here in the US!!!! We need it. Way to many things are being imported putting us out of work. I shop No Sweat & Hope this idea works.
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by labs11803.31.08 | 02:36 PMKeep The Work Going Here in the US!!!! We need it. Way to many things are being imported putting us out of work. I shop No Sweat & Hope this idea works.
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by LaIrlandesa03.31.08 | 11:30 AMGreat positive idea and I hope you get the support financial and human you are looking for. I live in Huetamo Michoacan, Mexico, do you ship to Mexico?
on the comment made by dreadpiraterobert; I don't agree that you should include Wal-Mart in your statement. America spoils you by having fair prices in most stores, but not here in Mexico. We are slaves to the unregulated prices that small store owners sell their product at. Wal-Mart gives ordinary people the right to shop at a FAIR PRICE. Wal-Mart here in Mexico helps by providing necessary jobs, they help their communities by providing money to schools, fixing roads or building new enterprises. They give back to the people PRIDE
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by heatherr03.29.08 | 05:26 PMCan you distribute fabric? you could sell to small design entrepreneurs (San Francisco is loaded with 'em). and/or someone like Cafe Press?
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by heatherr03.29.08 | 05:23 PMI like the underwear idea, but work up more shoes, which is another thing you really can't buy used.
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by mkrichardson03.28.08 | 08:08 PMI first found No Sweat when searching for an alternative to the name brand shoes for my teens. My daughter loved the high-tops and we've occasionally purchased a few other items. We've always felt good about the quality and knowing that our dollars went to support workers instead of corporations. I truly hope No Sweat's idea gets the support it needs!
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by tsaen03.27.08 | 07:46 PMGreat product, great idea! Have bought many items from No Sweat. They really do support Fair Trade, both with US products & international items.
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03.27.08 | 02:33 PMI'm voting for these guys because I just KNOW they're going to stop investing every single cent into developing more adorable scarves and items suitable for wowing fellow yoga class students (hello. recession on. yoga bubble has popped, yo) and start making BRAS and UNDERWEAR, which are the only things you can't reliably get used and which are therefore desperately needed. There is a T-shirt glut. Nobody needs another dang T-shirt, and if they do, they can go to Goodwill or The Garment District and get one. The first world cries out for cruelty free undies.
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03.27.08 | 10:55 AMSimple solutions to complex problems. After years of wondering what one person can really do to help bring peace to the Middle East, who'd have thought that the answer was to buy a t-shirt?!?
Not only does No Sweat sell shirts for world peace, they're a way to avoid sweatshops, Wal-Marts, and environmental abuse.
I've got shirts, shoes, and hats from No Sweat, and I've supported this company for years. You get my vote!
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by watergate03.27.08 | 09:22 AMThere are people on both sides of the conflict that live there and they are sick of this vicious cycle of revenge that Israel and Palestine are stuck in. Maybe you could sell t-shirts to progressive groups and anti war groups in the United States and Europe with slogans that address the whole issue of fighting over a piece of land. Market the shirts to these groups and they know that they are fighting the propaganda of those in power that want to keep the conflict going and make money off of it.
1. Jobs not terrorism
2. Poverty and economic sanctions causes terrorism
3. Revenge is a vicious cycle
4. Support a normal life in Israel / Palestine
5. U.S. military aid to Israel isn't the solution
6. It's all about oil
My slogans might **** but these shirts could be worn at demonstrations against the war and the whole middle east mess.
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by scentart03.25.08 | 03:56 PMSince you received press already, I'd go back there. Perhaps they know someone who wishes to fund a humanitarian effort.
contact the United Nations. Start at the receptionist and just keep asking questions.
That's all that comes to me at the moment. Hope it starts you off in a good direction.
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by mataliandy03.25.08 | 03:16 PMGreat clothes at reasonable prices! I've bought several items for my husband from NoSweat, and all are excellent quality (unlike certain supposedly "good" or "high-end" brands that not only use sweatshop labor, but also start falling apart after the 2nd wash). We are very happy customers and hope NoSweat will win this financing.
We NEED NoSweat!
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by coffeebob03.25.08 | 02:31 PMI received the merchandise I ordered and thought it was terrific. My advice to the owners: keep on doing what you're doing
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by homebody03.17.08 | 11:17 AMI lived in Tel Aviv for 7 years and my husband was at the rally when Prime Minister Rabin was assassinated. We long for a time when there is peace in the region, when people are no longer separated by an apartheid wall and when we can get people together in cooperation and not conflict. This project is one step in making all this happen. I love the idea!
Idea Description
We’ve found a rare piece of common ground for all- more good jobs for Palestinians on the West Bank will help. Economic development is no substitute for a diplomatic settlement but no settlement can survive without a sustainable Palestinian economy. So while waiting for a resolution we've created a mechanism for ordinary citizens to build good will on the ground & support the peace to come. When faced with an apparently irresolvable conflict, if there is one thing all parties agree on-do that one thing and see what happens. Here’s a link to a short al Jazeera segment about the project: http://www.youtube.com/nosweatapparel
Our Jewish, Israeli & US press has been just as positive.
What will you do if you win $10,000 for this idea?
We’re marketing these T-shirts wholesale (custom printed) to Jewish, Muslim, Christian & secular schools & camps in the US, Canada & Israel. We'd use the money to purchase another container of t-shirts from Bethlehem so our burgeoning network of high school distributors have a competitively priced product to sell to camps this summer & schools in the fall.
You like it. You’re confused by it. You want to know more. Ask questions and post comments here.
Post a commentCongratulations! I look forward to a long future of ordering from No Sweat.
Building links from people to people, from nation to nation may not only help foster an era of peace, but of justice as well. Congratulations to the workers of the Bethlehem factory. Congratulations to No Sweat.
Sounds like a win-win deal to me. Heling people in the Middle East and helping No Sweat, a great organization. I've bought yoga pants, pink hi-top sneakers, tee-shirts, and a great fleece jacket from them and I love them all. They have my vote. P.S.: If this comes through twice, I'm not trying to pack the ballots. Just tried on AOL, and it didn't work. Hop;e it goes through this time, Sherry
this is the best idea anyone has had in a very long time. I love the company and the courageous people who founded it. CD
This is a great idea... a most positive way to approach peace in the Middle East. I know No Sweat is one fabulous company! If anyone can pull this off, it's No Sweat! Renee
This is a great idea... a most positive way to approach peace in the Middle East. I know No Sweat is one fabulous company! If anyone can pull this off, it's No Sweat! Renee
Everyone in my family wears no sweat. My 13 year old daughter has been working to get her school to use no sweat instead of the business as usual t shirt companies for their promotional t shirts. She's learning how to fight for what she believes in and she's learning about the tremendous resistance adults have to making change that will put their money and their words in line with their actions. No Sweat is helping her become the activist she wants to be, and she's not the only one: she's spreading the word here in this suburban privileged neighborhood. Thank you no sweat, I hope you will survive through this struggle.
I really love No Sweat. I told just about everyone I could think of to vote for this. I hope it pays off.
I love your canvas sneakers, an excellent alternative to the old black canvas hightop sellouts. I hope your Bethlehem venture works out. I'll get some friends to register and vote immediately.
The way business should be done. We need to start making much smarter choices with consumerism-the two important questions should always be-where does this come from-and at whose expense? I am a strong believer in "no sweat," "organic" and "fair trade." I am so glad to see good things come from this company. Kudos No Sweat Apparel!
keep up the good work!
Now this is the type of hands-on, market-driven, fair-trade solution that would work. Bravo, well done!
seems like a no-brainer to me.
NoSweat stuff is good quality, it has some organic stuff, and it's a good way to make a difference.
NoSweat covers so much important ground for me. Its a local company, it is fair-trade, it offers organic options, it cares about conflict areas. I only wish I could by all of my garment needs through NoSweat but that will only happen if the company grows and can afford to take on new items. Companies like NoSweat are a great idea to better all our lives. And for us high-consuming Americans, it is a real way to make a difference. I'm done with talking about awareness and spreading the word, its time to let my dollars be useful by supporting a company that spends it where it matters. Best luck and thank you. Tanya
Abuse-free work is kind of the key to future life on planet Earth. Let's get behind it, one and all. Make peace, people. Love, Ted
THis Is An OUTSTANDING idea i wish i could do more to help and 1 question. were do i get a shirt?
I purchased one of the unprinted t-shirts a few months ago, and it is probably one of the nicest shirts I own. It is made very well (no strings) and has been washed dozens of times but has faded very little.
to me, this is a real 'real world' solution, and I'm thrilled to support it.
good solutions with also a great metaphor for being productive, ethical, respectful and smart. thank you
i know everyones going on about the social side of things... but the products are top quality too!
No Sweat you are brilliant beautiful people.
No Sweat you a brilliant beautiful people.
We need more companies that treat workers with respect and reward them fairly.
Brilliant, creative, pragmatic--this is a company with a vision that will work. NoSweat's products are high quality and tested, and this business model is stunning. I'm grateful that you're doing this. Please fund this idea.
This is a very initiative and worthwhile idea that has an incredible potential to accomplish more then all the ambassadors, diplomats and negotiators put together. This is smart business and interesting diplomacy that I believe with time and care could bring rich nourishing fruit for many many people of all faiths.
Finally, out of an understanding of the world's problems, comes some real progress, and a ray of hope. It takes ordinary people doing extraordinary things to change the world, and I'm glad too see this happening!
Great shirt too...
I've supported Adam and Nosweat for a long time now and do support the idea of economic development for Israel and the territories. Besides nosweat there have been others such as Stef Wertheimer who has pioneered high tech development. It will take a long time before there will not be any need for barriers which tend to separate as well as protect. But certainly brighter economic prospects could bring that time possibly sooner.
It's not just that the concept is important--the stuff they sell is really nice and reasonably priced.
Love the idea! Love the company!
What a novel concept. It seems sometimes that the greatest ideas are staring you right in the face. What is the best thing about this idea is that it really has the chance to change the world -- few products can do that!
This is a brilliant idea. I wish NoSweat all the best!
this is a real and lasting solution:! building wealth from the bottom up!
This is the kind of idea that needs to gain more traction in social justice movements. It marries social ideals with economic benefit to those who need it and incorporates environmentally friendly practices to boot! Plus, sweet t-shirts! Who could say no to all of that?!
Wherever you go it's all about jobs.
This is a great idea whose time has come. Good Luck!
your doing a great job, however stressful it is, you still doing the right thing
this is so excellent. go for it!
I voted for this idea yesterday, it fits closet to the SNEETCH idea that I had entered. Please vote for this cause if you liked Seven Stil Waters. Time is running out...so please vote for them and pass it over to 3 to 5 people that you know will vote right away.
Middle Eastern issues have long seemed so immense that many people (in the US) have chosen apathy over action. This is a great way for people to feel like they can make a difference. I agree that positive experiences and exposure to different cultures should bring about more cooperation. I'm all for helping one person at a time... one T-shirt at a time.
I like the way that people from different backgrounds and culture are working together for a common goal, more efforts like this should be praised. It is time to focus on the similarities in life and not the differences.
This is a terrific idea! I wish you the best in your endeavors.
Best of luck to you. I hope you can keep providing jobs to West Bank folks.
What a great plan! This economic solution sounds like a smart, sustainable way to give these people a reason for hope. Way to go, hope it's in full swing soon!
It is energy like this that will turn the wheels of change in a positive direction. Let's see this idea come to fruition and support these efforts!
Peace in the Middle East? No Sweat!
Big fan of this idea. I've always been of the opinion that the way to create genuine small 'd' democracy is through small institutions where democracy can flourish . In this case - a small business with a unionized workforce fits that bill wonderfully. And history suggests that when small 'd' democracy flourishes, peace is not far behind. Nice way to think outside the political box!
Adding much needed business and good jobs where there is a 40% unemployment rate........while promoting middle east peace.....SOUNDS FANTASTIC! Way to go NO SWEAT!
Great idea! A brilliantly simple idea in a crazy political situation. It just might work...
Progress against sweatshops has been zilch, in the twenty years I have been watching. It was OK when the industry was in the U.S. and we had at least a fighting chance to organize and win fair treatment, decent wages, etc. We had lots of students juiced on the issue, lots of outrage in the press (initially, at least) and pretty much agreement all around that this was unsustainable for big corporations that sold based on "image". What happened? These big companies fixed the "image" problem through public relations and bogus "codes of conduct" for supplier factories; all was stage-managed with this faux transparency, like you could check out conditions in the entire suppy chain of a corporation. Most editors liked this resolution of the problem & the …more"sweatshop" story disappeared. Do I oversimplify? Not too much. Far better to have smaller companies with more organic connections to suppliers - as this model shows. Give consumers a product that they can really feel good about, instead of one that has to construct this "corporate social responsibility" image (which is just more advertising, innit?)
I am a strong supporter of No Sweat and the union made, locally economy politics that they support. I think it is a great idea to support the Palestinian workers as well in the process. Great idea! -card carrying union member
This idea is a proven one - it is as old as the hills (like me) People need jobs Small economies can make big differences over time Act locally; think globally ..and yes..."give peace a chance" All sounds good to me - Signed a currently unemployed American
Peasy 2 da middel easy, y'all...
I lived in Tel Aviv for 7 years and my husband was at the rally when Prime Minister Rabin was assassinated. We both long for a time when there is peace in the region, when people are not separated by apartheid walls, and can find a way to come together in cooperation and not conflict. This venture is one step in this process. It is a wonderful project.
I love No Sweat more than spaghetti and meatballs. The shirts are great. Booya.
This is a win win situation all around!
I agree with Susan the idea is brilliant and full of common sense. I also agree with Adam that independent labor unions are essential for protecting a democracy. Developmentally speaking we have two different cultures, how do we close the gap between them? Countries like Vietnam and Cambodia lobby for congressional support to sell their textile products in the U.S. Is this a similar situation? How much activism work is needed within the Islamic/Arabic communities?
the concept of peace nowadays is becoming jaded because of hopelessness. By promoting this idea, I hope that more people around the world will pursue this endeavor and make strides for unity. Plus, those shirts are really helping people out there in Bethlehem.
This idea is both brilliant and full of common sense: use everyone's own interest to promote the common interest. Peace in the Middle East affects the whole world - as we should have known, at the latest, since 9/11. Providing good jobs won't do it alone, but at least it is a start - unlike other efforts that focus on yet more rounds of peace talks. And using globalization in the best sense is something that can become an example everywhere.
Peace in the Middle East! Woohoo!
I think this enterprise is ingenious and is replicable in other parts of our troubled world, if only financial support were forthcoming. World Peace would be greatly advanced.
Common ground is hard to find, essential to peace and to hope, and rarely easily established. A practical, sound economic model, built on this common ground, to help forward community and peace--that's exactly what this venture is. Wonderful!
When common people earn a fair living, when common people are educated, when common people live like people, when the environment is treated like our home, when common people understand that all people have the same needs regardless of their ideology, color of their skin or where they live, there will be peace...and what a better place to begin than with this simple shirt.
The idea is great and has helped my son Tarek a lot. It appears that sales are easily closed within Jewish community. The issue is not limited to making contacts. I can make a guess but I don't want to turn this into a political discussion.
as a high school student myself, this company sounds incredibly exciting. who thought that something as simple as selling a t-shirt could impact a problem as big as peace in the middle east? so simple yet so incredible.
incredible how easy it is to overlook the obvious. Viva No Sweat!
Supporting the Palestinian economy is essential to improving the prospect of peace in the region. Why didn't I think of that earlier?
What a fabulous idea! My kids are very interested in social entrepreneurship and have been a seeking a way to help build an organization while in high school. Organic t-shirts that can help provide economic stability to support the urgent peace process between Israel and Palestinians is a win for all. I especially love that even amidst the strife in the region, concern is had for the environment and hence the organic cotton!
This is a win-win. A win for Palestinian workers who get good jobs. And a win for students who get high quality, organic t-shirts made in an environment that respects workers. What a great way to encourage peace.
Support for the Palestinian economy is a key piece of the puzzle for the hope of peace for Israelis and Palestinians. I applaud this critical effort to advance a climate that will enable a viable peace!
I support this idea and admire this effort to help make peace in the Middle East.
How crazy, a T-shirt that embodies peace and unity in a place where there none! This deserves our support!
The one and only TRUE Peace Tee Shirt with a concept that can be used around the world!
It's essential that we start taking this type of practical approach to what seem like intractable problems. You start with a point that everyone agrees on (no matter what their ideological standpoint is) - jobs with decent futures do a world of good wherever they are. Mix that with a broad view perspective that organic products help the world in the long run and you have a profound impact. If small projects like this get supported and propagate, huge problems can slowly become more and more manageable. And the daily interactions that such projects foster (in this case between Israelis and Palestinians) go a long way toward building genuine peace with security in a manner that exceeds abstraction and ideology. Cheers to this idea!
This is just the sort of common sense idea that might actually work in this impossible situation.