In “Let’s talk…” we explain the differences between the materials, products and product categories you can find in our store versus in “mainstream” stores. Because which options are more sustainable? And what makes these options the fair choice? In this post: Let’s talk fairtrade!
NON-FAIRTRADE
POVERTY & EXPLOITATION
Millions of farmers who grow our food, textiles & other resources are hungry and live below the poverty line. They are vulnerable to price fluctuations, climate change and dishonest buyers. Extreme social inequality and lack of access to resources mean they are often stuck in a vicious cycle of debt and poverty. This forces them into exploitative employment or into sending their children to work.
FAIRTRADE
WORKING CONDITIONS
All fairtrade farmers and workers benefit from regulated work hours and a policy prohibiting discrimination, child labour, and slave labour.
STABLE INCOME
Fairtrade helps producers set minimum prices. This protects farmers and workers against erratic market prices. If the market price drops, the minimum price ensures the farmers and workers still earn enough to cover basic living-costs.
ENVIRONMENT
Fairtrade standards promote environmentally friendly farming practices and ensure that factories aim to reduce emissions and energy usage.
THE 10 PRINCIPLES OF FAIRTRADE
FAIRTRADE WEEK & FAIRTRADE DAY
In the Netherlands, every year at the beginning of May it is Fairtrade week, to draw more attention to the importance of fairtrade products. This year, this week is celebrated from 6 until 14 May, with the 13th of May being World Fair Trade Day.
World Fair Trade Day is a global celebration held each year on the second Saturday of May. It’s an opportunity to envision a world where trade helps support small-scale farmers, producers, and their families, cultivating healthy and sustainable communities around the world.
FAIRTRADE IN HET FAIRE OOSTEN
Since fair is literally our middle name, fairtrade is a really important aspect for us. Before we buy products from a brand, we ask critical questions about the whole picture: starting with the raw materials of the products, what the working conditions of the makers are and how transport is arranged. For a product to be sold in our store it is a must that it is fairtrade.
We see it as our task to remain critical, also towards the brands we have been working with for years. Something that was seen as sustainable and fair 8 years ago may already be outdated and yearning for innovation.
We continue to monitor our brands on the implementation of existing improvements, across all aspects of their business and what plans they have to continue to innovate. This way we can stand behind our products that are produced with the utmost respect for the environment, animals and all makers.
