Terri Bly
As I have mentioned before, when I find a brand or product that is not only green but also helps women and communities thrive, I feel like I have struck gold. After all, we might like to think that chemicals are separate from greed, war, crime, poverty, and all of the other evils in the world. But it’s all connected, and when I can offer my customers a way to help people and the planet, well, to me, that is the truest definition of Eco-Friendly. So here is my latest find: Arghand Soaps, made in Afghanistan by a co-op of farmers working with former NPR journalist Sarah Chayes. In 1995, after going to southern Afghanistan to report on the war, Chayes decided to remain in the country to help the people rebuild their community. She knew that the land was good for more than growing opium, and that Afghanistan would never free itself from instability unless it could find a new export. So she began working with a handful of brave men and women, taking advantage of the growing demand for natural products by growing almonds, apricots, pomegranates, and the precious blossoms of Rosa damascena, and turning them into gorgeous soaps and luxurious body oils. Perservering despite constant danger of being attacked (Afghans are assissinated regularly for trying to rebuild the nation through efforts such as these, and women are particularly at risk), as well as unreliable electricity and scarce resources, they have made tremendous progress. Wanna see the fruits of their labor (pun totally intended)? :
How pretty are these?! I wish I had found them in time for the holidays, but then again, they make the perfect gift for any occasion, and will look beautiful in your guest bathroom, your mother-in-law’s bathroom…or your own. I can think of a million reasons to buy these gorgeous soaps, but none more important than supporting a country that desperately needs more from us than our stretched-thin military. Farmers need a reason to stop growing opium, and governments need a reason to stop letting them. The best reason we can give them is money. If you are as inspired as I am by this grass-roots effort, please check out their website to see if there is a retail store near you that carries Arghand products, and to learn about other ways you can help Sarah and her unbelievably courageous and resilient friends. Oh, and The Nature of Beauty will be selling these within the next two weeks, so be sure to check that out, too!
