Ayindisa, a fair trade principled business supporting artisans worldwide, has been awarded the Green Business Seal of Approval by Green America, a non-profit organization working to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. The designation means that Ayindisa has passed Green America’s screening process and is approved to be listed as a socially and environmentally responsible —or green—business in the National Green Pages™ directory.

 Ayindisa estimates that 60% or more of the products it sells in the store and online are made from recycled ingredients or from natural ingredients harvested in sustainable ways. For example, the grass harvested for use in making Ayindisa’s colorful hand-woven baskets comes from sustainable rice that is cut by hand after all rice is harvested. There is no negative impact on the environment. Wood products are made from ebony, mahogany and other wood harvested in a sustainable way from tree plantations in Ghana. Ayindisa is required by Ghana’s forestry department to plant 3 to 5 new trees to replace every one it cuts. All of Ayindisa’s coffees, teas and chocolates are certified fair trade and or made from certified organic ingredients.

 In addition to selling their products, Ayindisa assists artisans in obtaining loans and education through various partnerships and business affiliates.

Ayindisa, www.Ayindisa.com, is located at 18 Prospect Street, Ridgefield.