Fair Trade

Fair Trade is a growing international movement which promotes fair living wages to small scale producers and skilled artisans. It is not a hand out, it is simply paying a fair price for hard work - just as it should be.

We are not fair trade certified ourselves, but we choose to source our products from collectives that uphold Fair Trade principles and look after their people. 

As registered members of the World Fair Trade Organisation these collectives have committed to following the 10 principles of Fair Trade in their day-to-day work, and are monitored to ensure these principles are maintained. This enables the artisans to be self sufficient and improve their livelihoods, which in turn provides dignity, hope, freedom and empowerment.

FAIRTRADE PRINCIPLES

1. OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISADVANTAGED PRODUCERS
To create long-term employment opportunities for marginalised and economically disadvantaged artisans.

2. TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY
Commitment to being transparent and accountable to both their trading partners and artisans.

3. FAIR TRADE PRACTICES
Commitment to operating their business in a socially, economically and environmentally responsible way. They maintain long-term relationships based on solidarity, trust and mutual respect and do not maximise profit at the producers expense.

4. FAIR PAYMENT
Commitment to providing artisans with fair treatment and wages, with the aim of a local living wage. Fair payment also includes the principle of equal pay for equal work by women and men.

5. NO CHILD LABOUR
Respecting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as local laws to ensure that the participation of children in production processes of fairly traded articles (if any) does not adversely affect their well-being, security, educational requirements and need for play. 

6. NON-DISCRIMINATION, GENDER EQUALITY & FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION
No discrimination in hiring, remuneration, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, HIV/AIDS status or age. Women’s work is properly valued and rewarded and women are empowered in their organisations.

7. WORKING CONDITIONS
Ensuring safe and healthy working environment for producers. Working hours and conditions comply with national and local laws and International Labour Organisation conventions.

8. CAPACITY BUILDING
Fair trade relationships provide continuity. Training, upskilling and the development of business and leadership skills fosters independence for the producers and can provide access to new markets for their products.

9. PROMOTING FAIR TRADE
Raising awareness of fair trade and providing their customers with information about the organisation, the products, and in what conditions they are made. 

10. RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Actively encouraging better environmental practices and the application of responsible methods of production. Products are often made with locally-sourced, natural and up-cycled materials.