Freeset Bags - In Business to Set People Free
Freeset Bags are made by women escaping the sex trade in the largest red-light district in Kolkata (Calcutta), India.
By working for the Freeset Bags, these women are provided an opportunity to earn a dignified living and become free to leave a profession many do not chose to enter in the first place.
Image: Available on Amazon.
A Favorite Freeset Bag, The Freedom Tree Bag
This Freedom Tree bag is my new, favorite book bag for this school year. The combination olive green and dark forest green colors is stunning.It has the perfect size to carry a stack of papers and maybe a book and a bottle of water, but not too much. As a seamstress, I am amazed at the quality of the bags. The Freeset bags are constructed with care and for durability using jute, a natural, eco-friendly fiber.
Even better than the amazing design of the bag, is knowing that the purchase of these bags makes a huge difference to women on the other side of the world.
I now own a collection Freeset Bags, with a Peace Dove, more of the Tree Book bags (in other colors) and several of their polka dot bags. I am planning on ordering a few more from their new product line.
I carry my Freeset Bag proudly. With every bag that I purchase, I know I am helping to make a difference and am becoming part of a story of freedom that started half way around the world.
Three Reasons to Buy Freeset Bags
1. The bags are eco-friendly and reusable.
2. The bags are stylish and amazingly well made.
3. The bags are bringing hope and making a difference in the lives of women.
Freeset Freedom Runway Olive Vegan Messenger Bag in the Amazon Spotlight
Freeset Runway Olive Vegan Messenger Bag
Amazon Price: $22.00 (as of 12/15/2009)
A great looking courier bag.
This green messenger bag features a cell phone pocket, plastic clip closure, and interior side bottle holder.
Size: 15 x 12 x 4 inches
Freeset Bags and the Calcutta Hilton
- Freeset Freedom Runway Olive Vegan Messenger Bag in the Amazon Spotlight
- Freeset Peace Dove Large Vegan Tote in the Amazon Spotlight
- Freeset Andrea Moore Souvenir Handbag in the Amazon Spotlight
- Freeset Bags on Amazon
- Freeset Bags Available on Amazon
- Freeset Window Black Vegan Courier Bag in the Amazon Spotlight
- The Calcutta Hilton Documentary
- Freeset Harmony Dragonfly Brown Bucket Vegan Tote in the Amazon Spotlight
- Freeset Runway Grey & Blue Vegan Messenger Bag in the Amazon Spotlight
In Business to Set People Free
Freeset Video Promotion on YouTube
The aim of Freeset Bags, the business is to give these women the choice to leave a profession they never chose in the first place.
About the Freeset Bag Company
Each Freeset Bag tells a story of one woman's journey to freedom.She used to stand with 6,000 other prostitutes in a small but well known area of North Calcutta. She didn't choose her profession; it chose her. Poverty does that. It robs people of their dignity and children of their innocence.
Working for Freeset Bags, the woman still lives in the same area, but instead of selling her body she makes Freeset Bags. Now she has choices, the choice to work decent hours for decent pay, to re-establish her dignity in her community and to learn to read and write.
Freedom has been passed on to the next generation. Now her daughter won't have to stand in the street selling her body like her mother used to.
By purchasing a Freeset Bag, you become part of the story of freedom.
Freeset Bag Company
- Freeset Bags
- The Main website for Freeset Bags.
- Freeset Bags Story
- Each Freeset Bag tells a story of one woman's journey to freedom. She used to stand with 6000 other prostitutes in a small but well known area of North Calcutta.
- Freeset Bags - Fair Trade Federation
- Freeset Bags is a member of the Fair Trade Federation.
More Freeset Bags
More examples of some of the beautiful and colorful Freeset bag choices.
Freeset Bags Available at a Better Way Imports
BWI was the first company in the North America to import Freeset bags, and they continue to have the strongest presence and drive behind this line.
- Freeset Bags on Better Way Imports
- Browse our selection of beautifully handmade Freeset bags, jute totes, purses, gift and wine bags. Great for personal enjoyment or as a gift.
- More about Better Way Imports
- Marketing Socially and ecologically responsible products including Freeset totes, purses, conference, beach and wine bags.
- Better Way Imports - Custom Orders
- Better Way Import can help created a customized eco-friendly Freeset jute tote or conference bag as a way to show the positive social and 'eco' awareness of your organization or corporate event.
Freeset Peace Dove Large Vegan Tote in the Amazon Spotlight
Freeset Peace Dove Large Vegan Tote
Amazon Price: $14.00 (as of 12/15/2009)
A bit of peace tote.
This special tote bag features front and back cotton/jute blend; gussets, jute sides, bottom, and handle.
Size: 16 x 16 x 16 inches
Shoulder Drop: 6 inches
Freeset Bags Available at Marketplacers International
I was able to find several of the Freeset Bags styles that I couldn't find in the United States at this site.
- Welcome to Marketplacers International Limited
- Marketplacers International Limited is a 100% New Zealand owned company. The exist to transform the marketplace with holistic business principles and practices.
- Carry Bags at Marketplacers International Limited
- Freeset bags are included in the Carry Bags collection at Marketplacers International Limited.
- Shoulder Bags at Marketplacers International Limited
- Freeset bags are included in the Shoulder Bags collection at Marketplacers International Limited.
Freeset Andrea Moore Souvenir Handbag in the Amazon Spotlight
Freeset Andrea Moore Souvenir Handbag
Amazon Price: (as of 12/15/2009)
This floral print souvenir handbag was design by Andrea Moore. It features two top bamboo handles.
Size: 13 x 13 x 4 inches
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Articles about the Freeset Bag Company
- Freeset Bags on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
- www.freesetbags.com.au, each bag tells a story, all made in Calcutta by women who previusly sold their body on the street.
- Freeset bags | Facebook
- Find Freeset bags on Facebook.
- Whitworth University Press Release - Van Vleet India
- Van Vleet's mission is to help Freeset Bags gain market penetration in the United States. ... "I plan to help Freeset Bags beyond my degree requirements.
- Actions from GiRL FeST Bay Area
- The result was the establishment in 2001 of Freeset, a viable business that involves the manufacture of jute bags for export.
- World of Good
- In 2001 they actively began helping women to escape the prostitution industry by founding Freeset Bags. The couple wanted to start a business that would be ...
More Freeset Bags
More Reasons to buy Freeset Bags
- Freeset Bags are made from Jute.
- Jute is a beautiful 'golden' fiber available from native vegetation.
- The Freeset Bags are eco-friendly and eco-conscious.
- Jute is and extremely durable and long lasting fiber.
- The Freeset Bags are 100% Bio-degradable.
- Jute is a readily available and a sustainable resource.
- Jute is less costly than other fabrics including synthetic geotextiles.
- The Freeset Bags are lightweight and comfortable to carry.
- The Freeset Bags designs and colors harmonize with current fashion trends.
- The Freeset Bags are extremely well-constructed.
- The Freeset Bags are vegan and vegetarian products.
- Each Freeset Bag tells a story of one woman's journey to freedom.
Freeset Bags on Amazon
Freeset Peace Dove Large Vegan Tote
Amazon Price: $14.00 (as of 12/15/2009)
Freeset Harmony Dragonfly Brown Bucket Vegan Tote
Amazon Price: (as of 12/15/2009)
Freeset Andrea Moore Souvenir Handbag
Amazon Price: (as of 12/15/2009)
Become part of their story
of freedom.
Purchase a Freeset Bag.
Freeset Bags Available on Amazon
Freeset Runway Olive Vegan Messenger Bag
Amazon Price: $22.00 (as of 12/15/2009)
Freeset Window Olive Green Vegan Courier Bag
Amazon Price: $21.00 (as of 12/15/2009)
Freeset Freedom Tree Grey Vegan Tote
Amazon Price: $14.50 (as of 12/15/2009)
Freeset Cross Black Vegan Courier Bag
Amazon Price: $21.00 (as of 12/15/2009)
Freeset Cross Olive Vegan Courier Bag
Amazon Price: $21.00 (as of 12/15/2009)
Freeset Window Black Vegan Courier Bag in the Amazon Spotlight
Freeset Window Black Vegan Courier Bag
Amazon Price: $21.00 (as of 12/15/2009)
A great looking courier bag.
This black bag features a cell phone pocket, thick velco closure, and deep external pocket. The bag has a 2" wide adjustable black nylon shoulder strap.
Size: 10 x 10 x 3 inches.
Each Freeset Bag tells a story of one woman's journey to freedom.
The Calcutta Hilton on YouTube
Be inspired by the amazing women they work with.
The Calcutta Hilton Documentary
Sonagacchi is the largest, most infamous sex district in Calcutta. Everyday 20,000 men seek out the services of the 6,000 women who work there. Many of these women were stolen from their homes, some were tricked, others sold into prostitution by friends and family.It was in the midst of this despair that "Calcutta Hilton" presenter Evie Ashton discovered an inspiring group doing their best to make a difference.
The Hiltons are just your average Kiwi family, but the textile manufacturing business they have established is anything but average. Located on the fringes of Calcutta's largest red-light district, it gives the women of the area something they have long been denied - the option of leaving the sex trade.
"Calcutta Hilton" tells the story of this inspirational business.
Scene Clip from the Calcutta Hilton on YouTube
A NZ family is making a difference giving women a way out of the sex trade.
The Calcutta Hilton Documentary
- Calcutta Hilton Documentary
- A chance purchase at a bottle store sends presenter Evie Ashton to Calcutta to meet a determined Kiwi family and the incredible women they are helping to escape the sex trade through a business called Freeset.
Freeset Harmony Dragonfly Brown Bucket Vegan Tote in the Amazon Spotlight
Freeset Harmony Dragonfly Brown Bucket Vegan Tote
Amazon Price: (as of 12/15/2009)
This dragonfly tote is a vegan bag made of jute and cotton. The brown bag has orange cotton interior lining with an inside pocket.
Size: 11 x 14 x 7 inches
Shoulder Strap: 10 inches
Reader Feedback on Freeset Bags
My prediction:
Comfortdoc, at 11am on November 15, 2008 predicts:
I predict many women will be helped through businesses like Freeset Bags.
Reader predictions:
Fetching predictions now... please stand by
Fetching predictions now... please stand byBringing Hope to Women
Bringing Hope to women in the sex trade
In Southeast Asia, there are many people who are suffering through poverty-stricken lives. Many times, poverty and cultural demands cause women to turn to the sex trade.By partnering with individuals in Calcutta, India many companies are helping these women realize that there is a better future for them, that they do not have to live their lives selling their bodies. The hope that is brought to these women is that they can make a choice. One of these choices is making jute bags.
For women who choose to get out of the sex trade, they have the opportunity to be employed and make jute bags, receive a fair wage, and change their lives tremendously.
Text Source: About Asha Imports. Image Source: Freeset Bags Story, UK.
Freeset Bags are Good for the Environment
What is Jute?
Jute is also readily available, an ethical, environmental and a sustainable alternative resource.
Jute on Wikipedia
Jute is a long, soft, shiny vegetable fibre that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. It is produced from plants in the genus Corchorus, family Tiliaceae.
Jute is one of the cheapest natural fibres and is second only to cotton in amount produced and variety of uses. Jute fibres are composed primarily of the plant materials cellulose (major component of plant fibre) and lignin (major components of wood fibre). It is thus a ligno-cellulosic fibre that is partially a textile fibre and partially wood. It falls into the bast fibre category (fibre collected from bast or skin of the plant) along with kenaf, industrial hemp, flax (linen), ramie, etc. The industrial term for jute fibre is raw jute. The fibres are off-white to brown, and 1?4 meters (3?12Â feet) long.
Jute fibre is often called hessian; jute fabrics are also called hessian cloth and jute sacks are called gunny bags in some European countries. The fabric made from jute is popularly known as burlap in North America.
More Places to Find Freeset Bags
- Freeset Bags from Asha Imports
- Freeset Bags available at Asha Imports bringing hope to women in the sex trade.
- Freeset Bags from Alternative Outfitters
- Freeset Bags are available at Alternative Outfitters, providing vegan and vegetarian styles for women and men.
Freeset Runway Grey & Blue Vegan Messenger Bag in the Amazon Spotlight
Freeset Runway Grey & Blue Vegan Messenger Bag
Amazon Price: $22.00 (as of 12/15/2009)
A grey and blue messenger bag.
This grey bag features a cell phone pocket, plastic clip closure, and interior side bottle holder. The bag has a 2" wide adjustable black nylon shoulder strap.
Size: 12 x 15 x 4 inches
Still More Places to Find Freeset Bags
- Original Good
- In 2001 they actively began helping women to escape the prostitution industry by founding Freeset Bags. The couple wanted to start a business that would be ...
- WorldCrafts--Unique and beautiful handmade items from around the world
- Women who choose to work at Freeset receive training to sew jute bags for ... Every Freeset bag tells a story - the story of one woman's journey to freedom. ...
- World of Good
- In 2001 they actively began helping women to escape the prostitution industry by founding Freeset Bags. The couple wanted to start a business that would be ...
- Original Good
- In 2001 they actively began helping women to escape the prostitution industry by founding Freeset Bags. The couple wanted to start a business that would be ...
- Feed Just One - Calcutta Hilton DVD - The story of Freeset Bags!
- We are proud to offer this documentary for sale along with Freesets wonderful bags. Click here to view the trailer. Shipping and handling is $4 in the US ...
- Freeset Flower Bag
- She still lives in the same area, but instead of selling her body she makes Freeset Bags. Now she has choices,the choice to work decent hours for decent pay ...
- Cotton Blossom Jute Tote - Handmade Fair Trade Products - Two ...
- Each Freeset Bag tells a story of one woman's journey to freedom. She used to stand with 6000 other prostitutes in a small but well known area of North ...
- Freedom-in- Bag
- Freeset bags are made by women escaping India's sex trade. These women are provided an opportunity to earn a dignified living.
- Tree Jute Tote - Handmade Fair Trade Products - Two Hands Worldshop
- Each Freeset Bag tells a story of one woman's journey to freedom. She used to stand with 6000 other prostitutes in a small but well known area of North Calcutta.
- ToteBagsDirect
- Each Freeset Bag tells the story of one woman's journey to freedom from Kolkatas Red Light. Freesets logo branded bags are available at wholesale prices.
- Window To The World Messenger Bag at The Hunger Site
- Handmade by women rescued from a life of sex trafficking as part of Freeset Bags a unique social enterprise in Calcutta, India.
- Fair trade jute bags | sari covered journals and freedom bags from ...
- Freeset is a leading supplier of fair trade jute bags and sari covered journals made in India.
- Window To The World Messenger Bag at Global Girlfriend
- Handmade by women rescued from a life of sex trafficking as part of Freeset Bags a unique social enterprise in Calcutta, India.
- On The Spot Tote Bag at The Rainforest Site
- Handmade by women rescued from a life of sex trafficking as part of Freeset Bags an unique social enterprise in Calcutta, India.
Freeset Bags from an Amazon Search
Blog Posts about Freeset Bags
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byIn Business for Freedom
More Blog Posts about Freeset Bags
- My Musings: Free Set Bags
- I proudly carry a free-set bag with me. Free Set Bags free women who were once sold into prostitution in North Calcutta due to medical debts that their ...
- Pass the Salt: Freeset Bags
- The ministry is called Freeset Bags. It's a company that literally frees prostitutes, allowing former prostitutes to work for higher wages than they would otherwise.
- Feed Just One - Calcutta Hilton DVD - The story of Freeset Bags!
- We are proud to offer this documentary for sale along with Freesets wonderful bags. Click here to view the trailer.
- Eva Imports at The Vancouver Folk Music Festival
- Katie Sampson is the women behind this social enterprise that sells eco-friendly purses, handbags, shopping bags, and messenger bags. The bags are made with jute, a hemp-like fibre grown in India.
- Cute Bags for a Great Cause
- Blog post on Freeset Bags from baughman blog.
- Fair Trade: Freeset Bags
- A post from the live journal about Freeset Bags how fair trade can actually helps slaves or women in the sex trafficking trade in India.
- HONESTLY SPEAKING: Consuming well.
- One thing I loved were these Freeset Bags made by women coming out of prostitution in India. They are taught how to make these bags and then by purchasing them you are supporting the industry they've created to stay off the streets.
Part of a Month of Thanks
This lens was made to benefit Heifer International as part of the Month of Thanks Challenge.-
A Month of Thanks Challenge
-
A Month of Thanks gives lensmasters a chance to be thankful, raise awareness about hunger and make lenses to benefit hunger related Squidoo Charities. The challenge is being done to help us realize that even in the midst of everything that is going...
Reader Feedback on Freeset Bags
Thoughts...Ideas...Comments...Suggestions
What do you think about the Freeset Bags?
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Reply
- hlkljgk hlkljgk Jan 28, 2009 @ 8:32 pm
- love my new bag and the story!
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Reply
- Comfortdoc Comfortdoc Jan 12, 2009 @ 10:37 pm
- Angel Blessings for donating a Freeset Bag as an incentive for the Spirit of the Season Challenge.
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Reply
- dannystaple dannystaple Dec 5, 2008 @ 2:05 am
- chefkeem took the words right out of my mouth - these look like wonderful Christmas gifts. There is something really touching about a gift that really means something.
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Reply
- Susan52 Susan52 Nov 30, 2008 @ 7:34 am
- These are beautiful bags, and what a wonderful cause. Great job getting the word out, DomfortDoc. SquidAngel blessings to you!
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Reply
- lakeerieartists lakeerieartists Nov 19, 2008 @ 8:56 pm
- This is a fascinating lens. Welcome to Living the Green Organic Lifestyle.
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Reply
- naturegirl7 naturegirl7 Nov 17, 2008 @ 12:13 pm
- Like Chef said, these would make fabulous Christmas Gifts and towards such a worthy cause, what could be better? Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it. I'm going to feature this lens instead of your Halloween recycling.
- Load More
Benefiting Heifer International
This lens benefits Heifer International, a non-profit organization whose goal is to help end world hunger and poverty through self-reliance & sustainability.Their motto is "Ending Hunger by Caring for the Earth."
Heifer International and Freebags have a lot in common. They are both organizations helping people to become self reliant.
by Comfortdoc
Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT is a respected physician, an expert in life challenges, loss, grief and bereavement, professional health educator, professor...
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