Accessory Making for a Better Living

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. entrepreneur (n.) [ahn-truh-pruh-nur] – a person who starts a business

Example: Some young people want to be entrepreneurs so that they can be their own boss.

2. eco-friendly (adj.) [ek-oh-frend-lee] or [e-kaw-frend-lee] – not harmful to the environment

Example: Eco-friendly houses are becoming more popular nowadays.

   

3. hand to mouth (adj.) [hand tuh mouth] – having very little money or food to satisfy immediate needs

Example: Some independent students are living from hand to mouth because they don’t earn enough from their part-time jobs.

4. logging (v.) [log-ing] – cutting down of trees (usually to get wood which can be used to build structure or to make furniture)

Example: Forests should be protected from illegal logging.

Article

Read the text below.

Poor families in Ecuador are now living a better life by making and selling accessories] out of locally grown seeds.

With the help of an American entrepreneur, Amanda Judge, these eco-friendly products are now being sold to 1,500 stores worldwide.

The business idea started when Judge was researching on ways to help women in rural Ecuadorian villages earn better income as part of her graduate studies.  She saw the potential of making accessories using various seeds. Thus, she encouraged the local artists to try to make different styles so that it would appeal to the international market. In 2008, she established The Andean Collection.

Judge said families in Ecuador before were living from hand to mouth. Some had to sell grain and go home only after they have earned enough money for their food that day. Now, because of the business, these families are able to save and even own TVs and cars.

Olga Moran, one of locals Judge is working with, said that her life changed because of Judge’s help.  Her family is now able to earn more than enough to provide for their daily needs and send the children to school. 

Judge believes her business not only helps poor people; it also promotes forest growth because farmers are able to keep their land instead of selling their land to oil companies or logging it for wood.

Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·        
What can poor families do to earn a living?

·         What do you think can the government do to help poor families?

Discussion B

·         What do you think are the effects of logging trees?

·         What other materials, aside from wood, can be used in building structures and in making furniture?