We all have that one friend (or maybe it’s you…) that celebrates their whole birthday month because they’re just too excited to only celebrate for one day. We Fair Trade lovers are equally as excited about Fair Trade, so October has officially become Fair Trade Month!
The Fair Trade movement started in the United States in 1946 when needlework from Puerto Rico was brought to our country to sell. The first official Fair Trade shop opened its doors in 1958—also in the U.S.—and the movement was taken by storm. Since its roots, Fair Trade has won the hearts of many. Its mission to advocate change in business practices to observe equitable policies and procedures quickly became globally recognized and is now in high demand in the marketplace.
It won our hearts years ago and we strive every day to continue showing others the beauty of supporting such a movement. Let’s celebrate Fair Trade Month in style (a Fair Trade style, of course).
One Common Purpose
Briefly summarized, Fair Trade Month calls attention to the numerous effects of the Fair Trade movement to the global economy. It encourages consumers to support businesses that seek greater equity in international trade, that contribute to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions, and that treat their workers with equality and respect.
It is a month to recognize businesses that dedicate themselves to Fair Trade principles and remember why we commit ourselves to creating positive, lasting change. While this may look different from one company to the other, we’re all connected to a common purpose: to provide better trading conditions through fair pay and safe work environments.
Be Supportive, Be Fair, Be Thoughtful
As a Fair Trade company, we’re on a mission to do good and expand the global marketplace of hardworking people in developing countries. We aspire to provide income to people who need it most through the retail of our products and the opportunity we endlessly give. We execute that mission through our three core principles: be supportive, be fair (a plot twist, we know), and be thoughtful.
Be supportive. We provide our artisans with an environment for success. This includes access to the global marketplace and assistance in areas like product development and quality control.
Be fair. We ensure that each artist is fairly compensated for their time, labor, and talent. Our partners set their own prices to help ensure a stable income. We’re committed to making our products in a way that is good for people and good for the environment. When you say yes to our Fair Trade and eco-friendly goods, you’re saying no to sweatshops, unfair wages, and child labor.
And lastly, be thoughtful. Each product you find at our shop is handmade using natural, recycled, and/or upcycled materials. Our artisans craft their unique styles with the eco-friendly materials that are found abundantly in their respective regions. From our Made From Fruit necklaces to bracelets fashioned out of real Indian saris, our artisans upcycle waste into wonders.
We’re So Excited and We Just Can’t Hide It
We’re helping to better the lives for people who deserve it, for the people who work hard for it. Our goal is to be transparent with our ethical supply chain, to help women feel beautiful, and give back with their style. When women in developing countries are supported, the economic effects ripple through their economy. When a woman is lifted out of poverty, she takes an average of three people with her and, ultimately, lifts up entire towns.
Can you blame us Fair Traders for being so excited about this month?
In celebration of such a special month, we have some exciting new releases, a giveaway you won’t want to miss, and scarves that will make your neck the warmest, happiest neck to ever exist. Keep up-to-date through Instagram and Facebook as we release details on each and let you in on all this uncontainable excitement.
(we recommend you start keeping watch now because our giveaway details will be released later this week)
The reward to see differences such as these on this journey has been a life-changing opportunity to these women we are proud to call our partners. Fair Trade is more than just an adjective — it’s a lifestyle that chooses purpose. We chose that purpose and this Fair Trade Month we encourage you to choose that purpose with us.
P.S. As we head into Fall, we’re all itching for some change in our lives. To help you out, we’ve included new mobile wallpaper below! Add a little happy to your phone with these Fall-inspired picks.
These images were made extra large to appear beautiful and crisp on the highest resolution screens. To set these as your mobile wallpaper or lock screen image, hold down on your desired image and save to your camera roll. Then, select the image in your settings menu to select where you’d like to set it on your phone.
Sport your true love for Fall wherever you go 🍁
