Meaningful connections

Tribe member Megan Harrod just shared her recent tumblr entry with us, which served as a humble reminder of why we do what we do; to create meaningful connections with people around the world. We couldn't be more proud that our colorful bags and mission to promote cultural awareness were able to resonate with Megan and her family on such an emotional level. 

Some more entries from her blog below. We recommend following her on tumblr, really inspiring stuff on the weekly!

Thanks again for sharing your story with us Megan, we're honored to have you and your family in the tribe!

THE MESSENGERS ARE COMING!

With great excitement we’d like to announce that the laptop compatible messenger bags are on their way and the count down for pre-order has begun. On February 24th a link to the hidden pre-order page will be sent to all tribe members who have subscribed to our newsletter. Not only will subscribing give you access to the messenger pre-order, travel news, special offers and THREAD updates, but it will automatically register you to win a free messenger bag of your choice. That’s right ya’ll, a free bag! We will announce the winner on the same day the new collection launches. Subscribe HERE. 

Life saving soap

Jack’s Soap has a simple mission: save children through the simple prevention of bacteria, with soap. The company is achieving its mission through a buy one, give one model—for every bar of soap purchased, the social business gives a bar of soap to a child in need.

Another really great part of their business is their attention to detail and support for local business; "Instead of sending an exact replica of the soap you purchased, Jack’s works in conjunction with local soap makers to not only bolster the local economy, but to reduce our carbon footprint by giving away locally produced, specially formulated soap,” say the peeps at Jack's.

Although we are a bit skeptical of so many new social businesses adopting the "one-for-one" model, you can't argue with the reality that soap prevents desease carrying bacteria and that can in fact, save lives. So, good on ya guys!!!

ETK on top of the world

ETK in Mexico

Customer and Tribe Member Rachel Johnston just visited Mexico on her 7th volunteer mission with Circle of Concern where she helped set up medical, dental, and vision clinics in two remote villages in and around Bucerias. They had team members from the US, Canada, and other parts of Mexico, along with the locals all joining in. She worked with the kids' programs and did it in style. Check out this proud pic of Rachel with her Guatemala 1 backpack. Nice customization on the shoulder strap! 

Keep up the good work rachel!

Tribe Member Bag Review

I believe one cannot understand the value of a truly well-built backpack and the joy it brings until that person has to carry their world on their shoulders, instead of the backseat and trunk of their car. I don't drive. I'm a Los Angeles commuter, and I bike and Metro my way around. This backpack makes me feel like I'm carrying nothing, whether it's empty or full to the top with art supplies, school stuff, and my laptop. 

I can't vouch for any longevity since it arrived yesterday, but I've already taken it for a spin and its great. The material is obviously very durable and well-made, so I can be pretty sure it will last a good long while. 

The main compartment is roomy, and carries anything I need. One of my favorite aspects about the backpack is the fact that it can collapse down to a low-profile bag, or expand out to carry a big load. Also, the sternum strap is adjustable, which I particularly love since I'm female, and (ahm ahm) adjustable is good.  

The small side compartment is great for phone and keys. And the laptop compartment is beautifully padded, and can fit a laptop, plus a few notebooks and a medium-sided book. 

Its well worth the investment, and its actually one of the better backpacks I could find after hours of searching, with a much more reasonable price. Just about everything else was over $150, and many were over $180-$200. Way out of my price range. Also, most of those things weren't laptop compatible. 

Super happy about this bag! Five stars, for sure! 

ETK + Social Business & Trend Hunter

Socialbusiness.org and its partner groups are dedicated to raising awareness of social businesses around the world. Their dream is that everyone will choose to work for a social or environmental business in the future, and that starts first with awareness.

We really admire this company in their mission to foster socially conscious businesses and are honored to be featured on the Trend Hunter section of their website.

See the below principles taken from their website.

Social Business Principles:
1. Purpose is to solve a social issue; eradicate it. Social issues are those that relate to poverty, health, education and human rights.
2. Using business principles to create a sustainable business model.
3. Attract the best people and make it a great place to work.
4. Do all of this while making the world a better place.

ETHNOTEK started in July 2011 and we are already a proud member of this movement. Take it from us, if we can do it, you can too! If you have any cool ideas related to social business, but are hesitant to take the leap, fear not, you'd be surprised how many good people come out of the woodwork to rally behind your good cause.

Thank you all for your love and support!

Good things.

ETHNOTEK

Guatemalan Schools Built from Bottles, Not Bricks