INDUSTRY ARTICLES
Fair trade is about much more than paying fair prices; fair trade is also about sustainability and commitment. And for these three aspects of fair trade to work, relationships need to be nurtured between producers and traders, and traders need to devote effort and resources to consumer awareness.
Allow me to shed some light on what this means by telling you about some silk scarves we ordered last winter from two producer groups in Laos.
We had purchased weaving from both these organizations in previous years. We chose their work not only because it was produced with natural dyes and beautifully handwoven, but because we also share their values and respect their practices.
When the time came for us to make custom orders, we did not shop around to see where we could get the lowest price or the quickest delivery. Rather, we continued to build our trading relationships with the same producer groups -- to honour our commitment to them and to fair trade principles.
Through the extended dialogues that these orders required, we learned that most of the “silk” woven in Laos is made from industrial yarns imported from China or Vietnam. These yarns are more readily available, less expensive and more uniform than organically produced and traditionally hand-reeled village silk yarns. On the other hand, the making of these “heritage silks” generates income for a greater number of villagers.
Because we have been building relationships with these producer groups, they trusted us with this information. We want these weavers to sustain their cultures, families and villages, so we specified that our order should be woven from village yarns. As a result, we paid 30% higher prices and accepted a greater number of variations in the finished scarves. They look handmade. They are entirely handmade.
When a customer chooses such artisanal work, they are choosing a unique fashion accessory that highlights the “hand” of the maker. They are also supporting rural development, the environment and cultural sustainability through fair trade.
Fair trade is more than fair prices; it is a way of doing business. It focuses not on the financial “bottom line” but on the well-being of people and the planet. As fair traders, we must take into account the needs of our producers and the desires of our customers. As entrepreneurs who want to make this business work, we look for directions and designs that do both.
