Fair Trade Gifts

Do you ever wonder if purchasing a fair trade product really does anything for anyone? Does it even help or change anything? The answer is an astounding YES!

When buying fair trade, the money you spend on day-to-day goods can improve an entire community’s day-to-day lives.

After the collapse of a Bangladesh garment factory called Rana Plaza killed more than 1,100 in 2013, suddenly the world took notice of fashion-industry working conditions and fair trade apparel.

WHAT IS FAIR TRADE?

Fair Trade goods are just that. Fair. From far-away farms to your shopping cart, products that come from farmers and workers who are justly compensated. The Fair Trade USA and European Fair Trade Association (both non-profits) help farmers, artisans, and member organizations in developing countries build sustainable businesses that positively influence their communities.
 
The aim of these organizations is to teach disadvantaged communities how to use the free market to their advantage.

10 Principles of Fair Trade

A range of factors are measured for Fair Trade certification, including a factory’s environmental impact, its overall working conditions and the rights afforded workers.

1. Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
2. Transparency & Accountability
3. Fair Trading Practices
4. Payment of a Fair Price
5. Ensuring no Child Labor and Forced Labor
6. Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Women’s Economic
7. Empowerment, and Freedom of Association
8. Ensuring Good Working Conditions
9. Providing Capacity Building
10. Promoting Fair Trade
11. Respect for the Environment

The Price of Fair Trade

The total cost to the brands, including third-party factory auditing, worker training and a Fair Trade Premium, is, on average, about 1% to 5% of what brands pay to factories according to Fair Trade USA.

Cotton farmers in countries like Mali and India can earn up to 30 percent more on fair trade sales through a guaranteed minimum price.

Use your purchasing power to make a difference in the world by choosing high-quality, fair trade gifts for the holidays, birthdays, or anytime.

CONSCIOUS COMPANIES

All Across Africa
All Across Africa creates market-driven employment opportunities to improve and empower the lives of rural and poor people across Africa in Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, and Rwanda.

Each purchase provides

• Training leadership, financial, savings, basic healthcare, product creation

• Skills and training

• Direct relationship with producer.

• Design + orders + production = producer income = pride in work & dignity

• A means for significant income to families

SUDARA
In India, where some of the highest estimates of slavery and sex-trafficking anywhere in the world are reported, Sudara – with it’s PUNJAMMIES longwear – offers hope, safety, and sustainable jobs for women to make their way out of the trade- and stay out. 

PUNJAMMIES are inspired by the beauty, colors and textures seen throughout the local culture and are crafted by brave women in the community who wish to remain free from the trade they escaped.

Every purchase creates

• A fair trade wage

• Deposit into a savings account

• Financial support for holistic care

• Capacity building for more women to enter the after-care center

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