Ethical and Fair Trade
Everything we sell is sourced from developing countries, including India, Indonesia and Peru, from ethical and fair trade suppliers. All of our suppliers operate using ethical standards concerning working conditions and pay. Our fair trade suppliers operate according to the criteria set by the British Association for Fair Trade Shops and also the World Fair Trade Organization. Generally, this emphasises the empowerment of producer partners. More specifically their criteria is concerned with fair pay, the provision of training, involvement in decision making, the improvement of the situation of women; ensuring they receive equal pay to men for equivalent work and also that children do not work in factory conditions and that any home production does not interfere with their education.
By purchasing from ethical and fair trade suppliers we can help the situation of many of the poorest people within the developing world. In providing a secure and long-term outlet for their goods and ensuring they receive fair pay and their working conditions are good, it helps individuals and their families to not only be able to support themselves economically but also gain confidence and self-respect and give their children better future opportunities.
Here are further details of some of the producers:
CHILE
Our glass hair clips are made in Chile by a not for profit fair trade organisation, who’s mission is to improve the lives of economically struggling workshops and artisan groups throughout Chile by promoting and exporting the handicrafts they design and create. They provide assistance to more than 400 artisans.
EMA (Equitable Marketing Association)
A fair trade organisation based close to Kolkata in India for over 30 years. EMA provide employment for over 130 disabled people and provide a provident fund, pension and medical insurance to all employees. Some of our bags and purses are produced by EMA.
Get
Get is a paper making co-operative based in Nepal. The paper products are handmade using environmentally friendly methods and waste materials such as cotton rags, agricultural and paper waste. Their main aims are to be sustainable and provide employment mainly to women. 40% of the profit made is put back into social development issues such as education for girls and AIDS awareness. All of our gift wrap is made by Get.
Noah's Ark
Fair trade organisation based in Moradabad in Northern India. It began in 1986 in response to the exploitation of poor artisans in the area. They help artisans to build and establish their own workshops. It now supports 500 artisans some of whom specialise in using recycled materials in their work.
TARA (Trade Alternative Reform Action)
TARA Projects was founded in 1973 in Delhi to help poorly organised and struggling artisans find markets for their goods. Due to the success of the program, they have been able to expand to a 120-mile area surrounding Delhi. TARA projects fund schools and literacy centre's for adults, and are also concerned with campaigning and educating people about fair trade. Their goal is to end injustice and manipulation in the world mass trade system. Much of our Indian jewellery is produced by TARA.
Vietnam
Our silk bags and some of our scarves are produced in Vietnam by an organisation whose mission is to produce and sell handicraft products made under fair trade conditions. They offer secure and fair trade working opportunities, as well as training, to disadvantaged women and farmers. Medical costs and pensions are also provided.
WEAN (Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal)
Set up with the aim of building a countrywide co-operative for entrepreneurial activities by women and overcoming gender inequality. It markets handicrafts and also lobbies for women's issues. All of our felt products are supplied by WEAN.
Zuri
Fair trade organisation which works with ten grass roots producer groups in Kenya. The focus is on generating employment for young people who would otherwise be drawn into crime and drugs to survive. Some of our jewellery is produced by Zuri.
