What are the benefits of fair trade?
Fair trade is about putting people before profit, refusing to accept a global system that exploits those at the bottom and campaigning to ensure everyone has a fair chance. It exists to create opportunities for those who have none, seeking out those who need help most and giving them training and support for as long as they need it.
Why is fair trade so important right now?
Our planet is in a time of crisis where greed and growth are bringing us to the brink of destruction. Many of the people who make the things we sell are already suffering from the effects of climate change, especially the farmers who have seen droughts, floods, and disease destroy their crops. Fair trade is a hopeful vision of how the world might be if we adjusted the balance.
How do you know your fair trade products are actually fair?
All of our food features the well known Fairtrade logo, an accreditation system that ensures fair wages, good working conditions, support to grow businesses, and a Fairtrade Premium for community projects. Our craft products come through BAFTS or WFTO members who have to demonstrate how they benefit those they're working with and that fair trade practices are being met.
Why should I shop fair trade?
We sell beautiful fair trade products and fabulous fairtrade food from all over the world in our little ethical store. Most of our food is organic and grown by smallholder farmers in co-operatives, people who are fighting to keep the land viable for future generations.
Our craft products are often handmade, recycled and sustainable - things made from scrap or with a conscious desire to reduce their impact on the planet. When you buy a fair trade gift from us, you're not just buying a present for a friend or family member you're helping someone you don't know on the other side of the world. Every product has a story behind it, of courage, humanity and a desire to see things change, and when you buy from us, you're part of that story too.
