Carini Lang Joins RUGMARK to Support Education for Children of Nepal

Furniture World Magazine

Manhattan-based rug importer Carini Lang recently joined RUGMARK Foundation to offer its clients child labor-free rugs and contribute to the education of former child weavers. From now on every Carini Lang rug from Nepal will carry the RUGMARK label. Dealing in rugs made from hand-spun Himalayan wool and fine high-grade silk, Carini Lang specializes in the use of natural dyes and makes carpets to order as per clients' needs. According to Joe Carini, the company’s founder and president, Carini Lang’s commitment to making one-of-a-kind carpets sets it apart from the mass-market rug industry. “We make beautiful carpets from extraordinary material,” says Carini, “and we focus on continually refining our work.” Joe Carini started out as a dealer in old collectible rugs and textiles more than 15 years ago, learning about ancient dyes and weaving techniques. In 1991 he joined Odegard, Inc. where he was introduced to the art of contemporary carpet making. During this time he began to apply his knowledge of old techniques to modern productions. Carini started his own company in 1999 and recently signed up with RUGMARK to contribute to the global effort to eradicate illegal child labor. “We felt RUGMARK was the ideal organization to accomplish this goal within our particular field of work,” Carini notes. “I’ve been to Asia many times and have always been attracted to the cultures, people and landscape of the countries,” says Carini. “I feel lucky to be able to work with weavers in Nepal, while at the same time assuring my clients that they are not contributing to illegal child labor.” “Companies like Carini Lang operate with a dual bottom-line objective,” says Nina Smith, Executive Director of RUGMARK Foundation. “Making money, of course, is one objective. The other is to improve the lives of the workers and their communities. RUGMARK serves as a conduit for this.” RUGMARK, a global nonprofit organization, works to end illegal child labor in the carpet industry and offer educational opportunities to children in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It does this through loom and factory monitoring, consumer labeling, and running schools for former child workers. RUGMARK rescues on average three children per week from carpet looms. “We value being a part of RUGMARK and appreciate the fact that our membership helps move child weavers into classrooms,” says Carini. More than 3 million carpets carrying the RUGMARK label have been sold in North America and Europe since 1995. According to Smith, the demand for RUGMARK labeled carpets is on the rise and companies that recognize consumer interest in socially responsible businesses have an advantage in today’s market. More information on Carini Lang is available at www.carinilang.com or by calling 646.613.0497. To learn more about RUGMARK Foundation interested individuals can visit www.rugmark.org or call 1.866.RUGMARK (784.6275).