Today's green product (it's good for you, great for the environment, and even better for the global community) is from Mata Traders: hip, affordable, organic, and fair-trade items, all found right here in downtown Oak Park!

These products offer original designs handmade in India and Nepal by women's cooperatives and artisan groups that practice fair trade principles. Hailing from Chicago, Maureen and Michelle, founders and co-owners of Mata Traders, share the following:

At Mata Traders we believe that giving women economic power and viable working skills can transform a community (and so the world) and is the surest way to combat poverty.

That’s why all of our fair trade clothing and accessories are handmade by women’s cooperatives in India and Nepal. We work with local communities and use traditional artisan skills to create products that make the world a better place - and make YOU look good too! 

Our mission is to work with organizations that educate, employ, and empower women. Spending time with these groups has helped us realized that even the most traditional women, when given the opportunity, thrive in a sphere of meaningful work that is outside their homes and families. We have also learned that equality in the workplace IS possible in a country as socially stratified as India.  Whether a beginner sewer or the marketing director, all the women that make our clothing and accessories have a voice.  We are so proud to be a part of that voice by bringing you their quality handiwork in a high fashion, fairly traded product line.

You can find Mata Traders apparel, accessories, and handbags right here in Oak Park at Chameleon (130 N. Oak Park Ave., www.chameleonoakpark.com) or Croix (131 N. Marion Street).