Ethical beading?

[lexscreations.livejournal.com]

It's been brought to my attention lately (mainly due to this article on the PureBeads web site) that a lot of beads are made in factories where the workers are forced to work in horrible conditions, often for less money than what they really need to survive because there are no other jobs available. This is more prevalent in countries such as India and China, though that is not to say that all factories in India and China are like this, or that factories in other countries are not.

As a result, I've gotten really interested in fair trade beads. I've found a bunch of companies that sell only or mainly fair trade beads, and am looking for more. I am also curious about which beads are made under humane conditions, and which are not. (For example, are Czech glass beads always OK? What about glass crackle beads, which are my favorites? Etc.)

I've been e-mailing various companies and organizations about this, but I would also like to know if any of you have more information, or know where I could get further info about this. Any help would be greatly appreciated! :)

Thank you!

Lex

(x-posted)