[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5PPdnkiJIg&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Lovely promotion video with Matthias Hess, the son of hessnatur’s company founder, who lives in Peru and invites YOU to apply for the hessnatur ambassador to discover Peru! Enjoy watching!

For a more detailed trip description and easy to follow instructions on how to apply, please visit www.hessnatur.com/ambassador

Recently our Peru Ambassador Project was nominated for an IFF Award 2010 (Intelligent Finance Foresight) in Switzerland.  These awards are given for brand communication, customer service and financial service in visionary companies dedicated to sustainable growth.

The ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland was attended by Ingo Bittner (Head of Sales) and me, representing hessnatur.  Though we didn’t win, we were delighted and honored to have been one of the 6 finalists.  The categories that we were nominated for were “Care instead of Control” and “The Customer as a Person”.  This is certainly the philosophy of hessnatur, believing that the more you are involved in what we do and how we do it, the better we are as a brand.

If you would like to become a hessnatur ambassador to Peru, the details are on our website.

I’ve really pushed myself again. This morning, we were with Ramesh, the dyer. Everything for New SADLE is dyed here, including the products for hessnatur. Bit by bit, I have converted his dyes from “local dye stuff” to European varieties, which are produced under more transparent criteria. From the European producers, I receive reliable framework conditions. After extensive tests for heavy metals, formaldehyde, etc. we were able to approve the dyes. Today we were once again able to optimize a dye, as Ramesh has access to a new dyeing apparatus.

Then we had a really crazy appointment: I toured a wool felt production center. Deliciously colorful, wonderful products! I found just tons of great stuff there, from felt hats and crazy handbags to felt-ball necklaces. We’ll see what our designers have to say about this assortment. Speaking of designers: Anette Hoffman, our designer for women’s fashions, is looking for embroidered cotton fabrics. Hari introduced me to a few samples made from organic cotton, and I was impressed. And scores of cartons full of organic cotton are loitering around New SADLE’s office as we speak! Let’s get a move on!

This afternoon I had a meeting with Dr. Massmann, of the GLS- Foundations for the Future. I set upon her with all the charm I could muster and spoke with her about the urgent need for a well to be dug in Kapan near New SADLE. There was no further need to stress the necessity of an ultrasound with her, as we have, dear readers, already talked about that.

This evening, we had a general meeting to wrap up the whole visit. That’s always important after being inundated with new information and ideas. After that, diner in the company of my friends here, and a heartfelt farewell. I’m off to India, where I will meet with a partner in our Burkina Faso project. It’s a small world. “Namaste” merely becomes “Namaska”.

Do you know what it’s like to be in a garage where the thermometer has just slipped past 90 degrees, next to a car with a running motor? I do. I’m in Kathmandu at the moment, and that is exactly what it feels like here. It’s madness! I’ll admit that what you’re reading is not completely politically correct, but indulge me. I’m allowed, and I’ll tell you why. I’ve been involved in the project New SADLE for many years. It’s an impressive undertaking, working with former leprocy victims on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley.

Before I tell you about the project, though, I want to wade into my Love-Hate relationship with Nepal. This country leaves an emotional mark on you. The filth, the complete chaos in the streets, the smog – it’s unimaginable. Okay, I haven’t been to Mexico City, but I’ve been around, just the same. The airport was chaos, and my ride seemed to have evaporated into the hot air. Then I promptly fled my hotel for another. I know, it’s all ‘business as usual’ if you’ve been to Kathmandu. But that doesn’t make it any less annoying.

But then, of course, there are the things I love: I’m at New SADLE today. And I’m surrounded by people whom I have known for as long as 14 years. People who tirelessly commit themselves to helping “their people”, under the hardest of conditions in this impoverished country. And I know again now, why I am here.

For years, New SADLE has made hessnatur’s wonderful Pashmina-Scarf. But New SADLE is also a nursing home, caring for aged, former victims of leprocy. These people are healed, but frankly, what’s gone is gone. With sometimes massive loss of extremities, the people here need assistance, and support. These people would otherwise be on the streets, begging, and wasting away under wretched conditions. It is always impressive how these people now live in their home at the edge of the Kathmandu Valley. The air polution is noticably less here, by the way, as the New SADLE compound perches high on the slope leading into the valley.

If it doesn’t bore you, and if I can manage to get on-line again soon, I’ll write some more. Until then, Nahmaste (I greet the God in you). Nice, isn’t it? God, I love this place!

We are honored to announce that hessnatur has been certified as a B Corporation based on our commitment to the highest social and environmental standards.

B Corporations are purpose-driven companies, benefiting employees, the community and the environment as well as shareholders.  In order to be certified, hessnatur was assessed by B Corporation according to their strict legal and performance standards.  In order to meet those standards, the environmental and social practices of hessnatur were rigorously evaluated.  Our long history in caring for the environment and our social responsibility to all whose lives we touch, were examined thoroughly.  Additionally, we had to meet contemporary guidelines of standards and practices.

B Lab, the nonprofit organization that certifies B Corporations, also oversees the evolution of those standards and the auditing of B Corporations.  There are over 300 Certified B Corporations from over 50 industries, representing a diverse multi-billion marketplace.  hessnatur is the first European Union company to become a B Corporation.

We are proud to be in such good companies.