Crescent Moon Fibers Uses U.S. Wool For Child Labor-Free RUGMARK Rugs From Nepal

Furniture World Magazine

Washington, D.C.- Crescent Moon Fibers of Buchanan, Virginia joins RUGMARK’s child labor-free rug production program as the first licensee to use U.S.-produced wool in the making of their rugs in Nepal. Rebecca Denhoff, Crescent Moon President, joined Rugmark because of her philosophy that business should not only enrich the owner, but also help the quality of life for others along the way. “I believe that with any sort of wealth comes responsibility and obligations,” Denhoff explains. Firmly grounded in its social mission Crescent Moon Fibers focuses on supporting both U.S. wool producers and Nepalese weavers. “Ever since I was a child I was fascinated with sheep and wool,” says Denhoff, who wants to build a bridge between the long depressed U.S. wool market and women in developing nations to find an effective solution for the problems they both face. All Crescent Moon goods are made from U.S. sheep, alpaca, and llama wool, as well as Qiviut, the wool harvested from the protected musk ox of Canada. Products include scarves, embroidered shirts, wall hangings and hand-knotted rugs that are woven into natural tones or vibrantly colored patterns. According to Denhoff, some of the finest wool in the world comes from America. “Ironically, many U.S. sheep producers earn less for their wool than the cost of shearing and transporting it,” says Denhoff. “We pay a premium for these luxurious American-made fibers, so that U.S. sheep farming remains a vibrant part of our economy and cultural heritage.” Crescent Moon Fibers has acquired the rights to use the “American Wool” logo on all of their woolen goods, including the rugs. When Crescent Moon Fibers entered the South Asian carpet industry in May of this year, Denhoff looked into options for producing the rugs with U.S. wool. She also insisted that they hire only adult women for rug production and provide childcare, healthcare and insurance for the weavers. With this, Denhoff found a way to support the U.S. wool industry and empower women in Nepal by employing them with stable and safe work. It was during the process of setting up her rug business that Denhoff discovered RUGMARK and asked that her exporter become a member in Nepal. “We joined RUGMARK becau se I would never consider enjoying profits from the exploitation of others, especially the innocent,” explains Denhoff. “I will only do business with a clear conscience, and RUGMARK enables me to do that.” RUGMARK Foundation is dedicated to ending illegal child labor in the carpet industry and offering educational opportunities to children in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Based on the belief that consumers in Western markets have a direct impact upon the lives of workers overseas, RUGMARK creates a relationship between consumer and producer that contributes to economically just international trade. According to RUGMARK Executive Director Nina Smith, RUGMARK provides a concrete way that businesses and consumers can generate positive change in today’s global economy. “I talk to so many people who are concerned about the negative results of trade, such as sweatshops and other forms of social and environmental injustices,” explains Smith. “Part of RUGMARK’s appeal to companies like Crescent Moon is that we’re helping to create new opportunities for children and their families. Having access to education opens so many doors – both economically and socially.” RUGMARK’s innovative program is comprised of three components: independent inspection of carpet production facilities; the rescuing and rehabilitation of working children; and building consumer awareness about the benefits of purchasing, RUGMARK child labor-free rugs.