In a world that’s becoming increasingly conscious of its environmental impact, sustainable and fairtrade practices are becoming more than just buzzwords; they’re now a way of life. Completely Handmade is a Toronto-based retail brand that is committed to offering consumers a wide selection of ethically sourced, ecofriendly and sustainable products.
In this post, we’ll talk about our handwoven bags which are made from sisal – a natural fibre that’s sourced in Kenya.
Sisal: One of Nature’s Most Versatile and Sustainable Fibres
Sisal is derived from the Agave Sisalana plant. This plant produces sisal, a resilient and versatile fibre that has been used for centuries. What makes sisal particularly special is its ability to thrive in dry climates, making it a sustainable and low-impact resource. This tough plant requires minimal water and no pesticides to grow, making it the perfect sustainable alternative to synthetic materials.
Advantages of Sisal
- Sustainable Farming Practices: Sisal cultivation promotes sustainable farming practices because it requires very little water. This ensures that the environmental impact is significantly lower – compared to the current natural and synthetic fibres most commonly sold.
- Biodegradable: Unlike synthetic materials that contribute to the ever-growing problem of environmental pollution, sisal is fully biodegradable. When your handwoven sisal bag reaches the end of its life cycle (which will take many many years), it returns to the earth without leaving a harmful footprint.
- Renewable Resource: It takes the sisal plant a few years to become mature enough to harvest its fibres. This makes it a more sustainable option to materials like Polyurethane – a plastic substance used to make vegan leather.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: Our handwoven sisal bags have exceptional durability. This makes them a wise investment for the environmentally and budget conscious consumer. Our bags will withstand the test of time, helping you reduce your consumption and disposal of non-durable bags.
Help Empower Women and Build Communities
As consumers, the choices we make have a profound impact on the planet. Opting for eco-friendly, fairtrade, and sustainable products is not just a trend. It’s a responsibility we owe to mother earth and to future generations.
Completely Handmade is committed to fairtrade practices. Because of this, every handwoven bag helps empower our women artisans in Kenya. When you purchase our fairtrade and ecofriendly bags, you play a direct role in supporting gender equality and fostering economic independence for our women artisans.
Did you know that sisal weaving in Kenya is not just a craft? In Kenya, it’s a cultural heritage.
Our artisans have woven all their lives. This age-old craft is passed along the female line – from grandmothers to mothers to daughters. By investing in fairtrade sisal products, you can actively participate in the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. This helps our artisans preserve their unique cultural identity.
Our commitment to fairtrade principles extends beyond individual artisans to entire communities. By providing fair wages, our artisans can invest in the education of their children, have access to healthcare and grow their businesses. This creates a ripple effect of positive change.
Choose Eco-friendly and Sustainable Products
The fashion industry is notorious for its environmental impact, but conscious consumer choices can drive positive change. Your purchase is not just a transaction. It’s a pledge to make a positive impact on the world – one handwoven sisal bag at a time.


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