our favorites

THE HEART OF ELEGANTEES

Elegantees is mission focused and their aim is to fight human trafficking in Nepal through employment opportunities. All of their products are made ethically by those who have overcome.  They dream to expand from one sewing center to several to provide more jobs. The waiting list is between 300-500 women who desire to work for Elegantees. Each purchase gets them closer to that!

Elegantees designs are ethically made by women (and some men too) who are paid fair wages. Fabric is sustainable using organic cotton in new fabrics we dye. They also source from dead stock fabric (leftover fabrics of other fashion houses who overestimated their needs) for non-organic blends.

LOTUS SOJOURNS RECOMMENDS...the Mira Tee, which comes in a variety of colors and is a perfect travel fashion staple.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE BOTTLE

Liberty Bottleworks decided they should be able to manufacture bottles here in the US—supporting living-wage jobs and US suppliers, in a clean factory they knew was safe for the world. They set out to do it right—using recyclable materials, recycling nearly all of their waste, and re-using and treating water before it leaves their property. Then they hired top artists from around the US—Seattle, Chicago, LA, Yakima—to develop custom art to adorn the outside of the bottles. And in 2011 they launched Liberty Bottleworks with their flagship, custom-printed, water bottles.  From day one they have strived to be a zero waste manufacturing facility.

LOTUS SOJOURNS RECOMMENDS...you find your favorite artistically designed bottle to make sure you always have extra water on hand when you are traveling; and you can avoid purchasing single-use or plastic water bottles.

EMPOWERING WOMEN...TO CHANGE THE WORLD

Threads Worldwide partners with artisan cooperatives to create life-changing work in more than 15 countries around the world. By life-changing work, we mean just that: work then pays artisans a fair wage, empowering them to provide for their families and make a difference in their communities. We focus on women because they invest up to 90% of their income in their families and communities.

Many of the artisans who handcraft our pieces are survivors of sex trafficking, have special needs, or are facing social, economic, or political hardships. This work enables them to reach their potential to thrive, not just survive.

LOTUS SOJOURNS RECOMMENDS...the Azul Bag, handmade in Guatemala.  It is the perfect size to make a great travel companion and the beautiful blue color adds a little flair to your travel style.

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

Travelers can now avoid buying bottled water altogether and instead use the ultralight purifier bottle for treating all their water.  Up until now, there has never been a more efficient and convenient means to purify, and filter, water on-the-go.

Whether you're on the trail needing to drink from a dirty stream, or filling up at a questionable hotel sink in Peru, GRAYL has you covered. FILL. PRESS. DRINK. with these fast and easy steps to make safe, clean purified water — anywhere in the world.Whether you're on the trail needing to drink from a dirty stream, or filling up at a questionable hotel sink in Peru, GRAYL has you covered. FILL. PRESS. DRINK. with these fast and easy steps to make safe, clean purified water — anywhere in the world.

LOTUS SOJOURNS RECOMMENDS...The Grayl water bottle as a means to eliminate your use of plastic water bottles on our trips.  Not only will your water be purified and filtered, it’ll be ready to go with no to carry extra gear with you!

DESIGNED TO CARRY A CAUSE

Malia Designs is a socially responsible brand that designs and sells fair trade handbags and accessories. Their products are handcrafted in Cambodia and every purchase helps to fight human trafficking.

LOTUS SOJOURNS RECOMMENDS...the cross-body bags and travel wallets are perfect for beautifully and responsibly carrying your travel needs.  They have a beautiful selection of fabrics, so you can make your travel gear a reflection of your personal style!