Class Discussions & Topics

This is where classes following me on my Where Am I Wearing? quest can come to find discussion topics, suggested readings, links to interviews, reports, and audio slideshows.

MADE IN BANGLADESH

(Starting May 1st)

Topics to watch for:

1. Micro-lending – Since 1974, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has been helping Bangladeshis and poor people around the world out of poverty. Through his system of microcredit, Yunus and the bank he founded, the Grameen bank, have given over $5 billion in loans.

I plan to visit a rural village in Bangladesh where the Grameen bank operates. I’ll talk with the lenders and the loaners as I seek to learn more about this unique system of poverty fighting.

Get started: The Grameen Bank

Suggested Reading: Banker to the Poor by Muhammad Yunnus

2. My underwear – The garment industry in Bangladesh brings in over $9 billion annually. This number is expected to double in the next three years.

My Christmas boxers were made in Bangladesh. I will visit the factory in Dhaka that made my underwear. I’ll meet the workers and I’ll tell their story.

3. Global warming – 15%-20% of Bangladesh is no higher than 3 feet above sea level. Bangladesh is already feeling the effects of rising sea levels.

Get started: Bangladesh and Global Warming

Watch: An Inconvenient Truth

There’s much more to come from Bangladesh. I’ll be spending the month of May there. Email any questions or comments you have to Kelsey@travelin-light.com.

COMING SOON –

MADE IN CAMBODIA

My all American blue jeans were made in Cambodia.

Topics to watch for: The Maddox Jolie-Pitt Project, a day in the life of a street vendor

MADE IN CHINA

My flip flops were made in China.

Topics to watch for: Shangri-La tourism, the 3 Gorges Dam