Happy World Fair Trade Day! When I first thought about a home decor shop, I didn't really know much about fair trade. It wasn't until a short time later when I made a fair trade purchase of my own sparking the idea that my shop would carry fair trade and ethically sourced home decor. That purchase impacted me in a way I never experienced before, and I wanted to share that with my customers. I loved the idea that I could make a small difference in the world just by making a purchase I would be making anyway. I realized that by choosing fair trade, we are empowering artisans to break the cycle of poverty by providing sustainable work. If you think you are just one person and what could you possibly do to solve some of the world's biggest problems, here are three ways you empower artisans when you shop fair trade.
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Fair Pay: We unfortunately live in a world where most business put profit over the health and well-being of people. Cheap, mass-produced products are often made by overworked and grossly underpaid workers trapping them in a cycle of poverty that becomes impossible to break. Whether its a large cooperative, or a small women's group, artisans working in fair trade are paid in full and in advance ensuring access to the resources needed to produce their products. Artisans are paid and treated fairly for their work fostering an environment of hope and change for a brighter future. |
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Market Access: Many artisans live in developing countries in rural areas that provide little opportunity to sell their handicrafts and earn a living. Children are often denied an education because of the cost, or distance of schools. Artisans that work in fair trade are given access to the global market providing sustainable employment and the ability to support themselves and their families. Parents can afford to send their children to school, communities can come together to work on development projects,or special projects such as healthcare, and scholarships for specialized education. |
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Cultural Preservation: Did you know that we source products handcrafted in over 25 countries around the world? Every product tells a story of time-honored tradition illustrating the artisans talent and rich cultural heritage. Art forms such as basket weaving, pottery, embroidery, bellcraft, metal work, and woodcraft have been passed down for generations. Artisans often use simple tools and machinery to create their products and source natural, sustainable, and local materials. Consumers who shop their values and support fair trade play a vital role in the economic empowerment of artisans and the preservation of cultural traditions and heritage. I hope you found value in this post and will consider supporting fair trade the next time you're making a purchase for yourself, your home, or for a special occasion. |
