What is Fair Trade?

If you are here, it’s likely because you already support fair trade and have some background in what it is and why it is important, but if you’re new here, let us give you a quick lesson.

Affording to the Fair Trade Federation, “Fair trade is an approach to business and to development based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system.

Fair trade businesses partner with farmers and craftspeople in developing countries who are socially and economically marginalized in finding markets and customers for their goods.”

As we know, the world is full of inequalities, so anything that we, as consumers, can do to level the playing field is a simple way to make the world a more positive place.

By purchasing products that have been certified to be fair trade, you are giving yourself the peace of mind that what you are wearing, using, and eating was made by people who are treated well, are paid above the poverty threshold, work in a safe space, and likely also have access to things like education, medical care, and childcare, which they likely wouldn’t have otherwise been able to access if their jobs were in other areas.

Fairtrade.net notes that people who work in fair trade cooperatives also have more control over their lives and have greater ability to make investments towards their futures.

If these are things that sound good to you, then you are definitely in the right place. Everything at Ethos Kolekto has been handmade in a fair trade setting by brands that are transparent in their actions and are working to make a positive impact on the quality of life for all of their artisans. We are honored to connect you to artisans in the developing world and can’t wait to pack up an order of handmade goodies just for you!