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Wouldn't life be great if you could just go out and buy a product without worrying about how it was made? In fact I wonder how may people do worry about how something was made. Price does not reflect what the maker of the product received so paying more for a product does not mean the producer has received more.
Unfortunately sweatshops that use child labour and provide poor conditions for their workers still exist. You cannot tell if a product you buy supports these terrible working conditions, unless you choose to purchase fair trade.
At UK Fair Trade all our products come from suppliers who only support fair trade principles. All the workers have been paid a decent wage. Our main supplier has been working with a number of families in Bali, Java and the Amazon for over 20 years. They visit these families on a regular basis, at least twice a year and make sure they have materials and tools to produce their crafts without being out of pocket. They provide up front payments so the workers can cloth, feed, educate and provide decent shelter for their families. We in turn provide our supplier with up front fees in order for them to support the families in this way. Our supplier aims to provide long-term employment for as many people as possible, this direct trading policy provides well-paid regular employment for about 200 families. They encourage the workers to be innovative and develop new products on a regular basis whilst maintaining quality and saleability. They are certified as a BAFTS (British Association of Fair Trade Shops) importer and supplier.
Another supplier sources mainly in India, again they have been trading for over 20 years and have built up many relationships. They support small villages and co-operatives all over India including, Kashmir, Kolkata, West Bengal, Delhi and Varanassi. They source products that use recycled materials, sustainable products and handmade goods, which in turn uses low energy. They are also a member of BAFTS.
By shopping with UK Fair Trade you are making a statement that you wish to support fair trade principles. Who knows one day it may be taken for granted that any purchase supports fair trade and sweatshops will be a thing of the past. Until that time your purchase will support a family in the third world and continue to provide them with an income.
Buy online or call 0845 094 6498 to place an order