Many shoppers overlook the way in which their goods are made and fail to acknowledge the working conditions endured by those who make them.

Barton and Leonie Walsh recently opened The Elephant Emporium at Mudgee to push for change by ensuring all things they sell are ethically sourced – they even visit Asia several times a year to work closely with their producers.

“We focus on products that are handmade in Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar (Burma),” said co-owner Barton Walsh.

“We work directly with the artisans, small groups and small communities that recycle or upcycle what traditionally would be a waste product.

“Examples of this are cement bags that are converted into laptop bags or stubby coolers.

“The impact is we’re reducing waste and helping small communities as well by giving them a source of income.”

This is the second business week for Mudgee’s Elephant Emporium but Barton and Leonie own another shop in Sydney and aim to support those who need it most.

Uneducated children, single mothers and people with disabilities are just a few of the disadvantaged groups they target.

“A lot of these people don’t have access to proper-paying jobs so we support them by buying their products,” Leonie Walsh told The Mudgee Guardian.

“We’re helping them create a better life for themselves and have access to clean water and be able to send their kids to school – basic needs we all take for granted.”

The couple believes their customers are appreciative that their products aren’t made in factories or mass produced, and that they are ethically sourced or adhere to the ten principles of Fair Trade.

The list of goals and values held by Barton and Leonie are endless and they are excited to make their presence felt in the Mid-Western region.

“We love the people here and we think they’ve got a good appreciation for food, wine and great handmade products,” said Barton.

Lesley Watson will be the face inside Mudgee’s Elephant Emporium as she’s taken on the store manager role.