Fair Trade Policy
The products in this store were chosen, not just for their beauty or usefulness, but also because they were created by people in developing countries who work in good conditions, have been paid a decent wage for their work, and have control over their own lives.
For many people in developing countries, these basic conditions do not exist. Continuous pressure for cheap goods has pushed down the prices paid to producers until they are paid so poorly they are barely able to feed their families, and in addition work long hours in bad conditions. We don't find this acceptable, and we suspect you don't either. Thankfully there is a developing social movement to reverse this trend - Fair Trade.
About Fair Trade
The most widely recognized definition of fair trade was created by FINE, an informal Association of the four main fair trade networks (Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, International Fair Trade Association, Network of European Worldshops and European Fair Trade Association):
"Fair trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, which seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the South. Fair trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade."
More information about Fair Trade can be found at IFAT - the global network of Fair Trade Organizations.
Our Products
All our products are purchased from wholesalers and importers who are committed to fair trade principles. Most are members are recognised fair trade organisations, those who are not, are committed to fair trade principles, but are not members of any organisation.
To enable you to distinguish between products which were sourced from companies who are members of fair trade organisations and those who are not, each product carries a symbol:
Source is a member of a fair trade organisation
Ethically-traded - Source is not a member of a fair trade organisation, but are committed to fair trade, or ethical, principles.
We also have a third symbol:
which indicates the product is partially or entirely produced from recycled materials.
If you have further questions about our Fair Trade Policy, please contact us.
For many people in developing countries, these basic conditions do not exist. Continuous pressure for cheap goods has pushed down the prices paid to producers until they are paid so poorly they are barely able to feed their families, and in addition work long hours in bad conditions. We don't find this acceptable, and we suspect you don't either. Thankfully there is a developing social movement to reverse this trend - Fair Trade.
About Fair Trade
The most widely recognized definition of fair trade was created by FINE, an informal Association of the four main fair trade networks (Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, International Fair Trade Association, Network of European Worldshops and European Fair Trade Association):
"Fair trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, which seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the South. Fair trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade."
More information about Fair Trade can be found at IFAT - the global network of Fair Trade Organizations.
Our Products
All our products are purchased from wholesalers and importers who are committed to fair trade principles. Most are members are recognised fair trade organisations, those who are not, are committed to fair trade principles, but are not members of any organisation.
To enable you to distinguish between products which were sourced from companies who are members of fair trade organisations and those who are not, each product carries a symbol:
Source is a member of a fair trade organisationEthically-traded - Source is not a member of a fair trade organisation, but are committed to fair trade, or ethical, principles.We also have a third symbol:
which indicates the product is partially or entirely produced from recycled materials.If you have further questions about our Fair Trade Policy, please contact us.