Fair Trade

October 21, 2018 139 Comments

Alternatives Global Marketplace provides a large selection of beautiful and fair trade products that are handmade by artisans in marginalized countries. We are part of a movement that builds trade on holistic partnerships that empower artisans to grow their businesses sustainably. 

We are a member of the Fair Trade Federation and are happy to be a part of an organization with members that share our values.  

Fair Trade Principles

Create Opportunities

Fair Trade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. We create create social and economic opportunities by partnering with marginalized producers. We place the interests of producers and their communities as the primary concern of our business.

Develop Transparent and Accountable Relationships

We develop relationships with artisans and other fair trade business that share our values to ensure that relationships are open, fair, consistent, and respectful. 

Build Capacity

With fair trade principles, producers become independent and are able to learn and enhance their art or business skills.  Together with our partners and artisans, we invest time and resources to help producers build their businesses and create sustainable supply chains and improve the lives of our artisan partners.

Promote Fair Trade

We promote fair trade and our passion for sustainable development by using our web platform and social media.  We are committed to educating others about fair trade and its benefits in improving the lives of artisans including wages, education and health.  We encourage our customers to learn and shop with a conscience.  

Pay Promptly and Fairly

Producers, under Fair trade principles, set their prices based on the costs of their time, materials and overhead costs.  Our artisan partner wages meet or exceed  local, national, international, and fair trade minimum standards. 

Support Safe and Empowering Working Conditions

The organizations and artisans we partner with work in safe and empowering working conditions.  This includes giving women safe opportunities for leadership and flexibility to work in their homes while taking care of their families.

Ensure the Rights of Children

Fair trade is a strong supporter of women and the development of strong children.  We ensure that we never use exploitative child labor. FTF members support children’s right to security, education, and play and respect the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Cultivate Environmental Stewardship 

We promote environmental stewardship through two avenues.  We source many products that are made of recycled or re-purposed materials.  In addition, our business works to reduce, reuse, reclaim, and recycle materials whenever possible.  We recycle boxes, and packaging materials whenever possible.  

Respect Cultural Identity

Our artisans partners are represent unique cultures and we not respect but promote these interests.  This includes their way of life but also their traditional crafts and techniques.  We hope to spread our passion for cultures and traditions so that others might gain a better understanding and appreciation of people near and far.  

 

 

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