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Mexiuan is an e-commerce platform that connects consumers with producers in a transparent, straight-forward supply chain. The site sells handmade items from artisans around Mexico, often working with some of the most vulnerable people in society. The four founders are young professionals passionate about their country’s talent. They also believe conscious buying is an essential antidote to the nameless and faceless identity of mass production.

All items sold on the site are handmade, and all artisans are paid a fair wage for their work. Products include clothes, shoes and accessories, as well as home decoration and items for pets. The company is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter. Additionally, it is forming partnerships with a number of social care foundations that are in align with the company values. These foundations work to improve the impoverished living and working conditions of millions of Mexicans.

When combined with the locavore movement, responsible production is helping to reduce air miles and increase the personal connections involved in shopping and buying, both physical and online. For example, an Argentine craftsman is live-streaming production of everything ordered, and foodies in California can pick their own produce for an on-farm meal. What type of comparisons would help consumers weigh up the environmental expenses of buying artisanal products online and paying for shipping versus flying somewhere and shopping there?