A lot of people are still not convinced that luxury can be eco-friendly.  Perhaps they are just not shopping in the right places.  Check out the gorgeous alpaca knit accessories from Mayu.  These shawls, throws, hats, and scarves surpass even cashmere as a luxury fiber–and they do it without the environmental impact or the harsh chemical processes for dying and processing. Alpaca doesn’t pill like other fibers.  It lasts for decades and doesn’t lose its lustre.

The alpaca themselves are eco friendly animals.  They graze on the tops of the grass, leaving the roots intact.  they also have a more efficient digestive system than other grazing animals, which means they eat less.  And their feet do not dig in to the soil like the hooves of goats or cows, leaving the foliage in their pastures healthy and unharmed for future growth.

Mayu is not just about promoting eco-friendly fibers and pretty accessories, though.  The company was founded by Kate Robertson, a former Peace Corps volunteer who spent time in Peru, helping women in the region develop their fair-trade enterprise.

According to Robertson, the women of Peru (and particularly the women in the region where Robertson spent her time) have a long tradition of knitting.  Starting from an early age, and continuing through their lifetimes, they produce exquisite artisan crafted clothing and housewares.  Working with Mayu allows these women to continue doing what they love to do while earning a higher income than at any other job offered in their area.  Young women who wish to stay with their children, and older women who wish to continue supporting themselves as widows are able to earn an excellent income while working from their own homes.

Robertson works in Chicago as a full time non-profit employee.  Her work with Mayu is born from her love for the women of Peru and her desire to bring the culture and the artisan handiwork of these women to a fair trade market.  The pieces sold my Mayu are beautiful, contemporary, and of the highest quality.  This year, when searching for the perfect holiday gift for a loved one–or even for yourself–consider one of these amazing Mayu products and treat yourself to eco-luxury!