Our Fair-Trade Promise
Having traveled worldwide for over 20 years, Will & Atlas has seen many different standards of living. Because of this exposure, we’ve followed the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) for nearly a decade in procuring life-changing products from around the globe. For this reason, you can be assured that all hand-made pieces sold with our Fair-Trade Promise help a community in need.
Most of our artists come from poverty-stricken communities in Bangladesh – with the majority being the mothers and grandmothers of those societies. Each fair-trade purchase you make with us helps those women, and in turn, gives their children and communities a chance to grow and flourish.
Fair-trade isn’t a trading of goods for the lowest possible price. In our case, it’s giving the craftsmen and women the true worth of the products they pour their hearts and souls into. We do this so they can earn a living wage – so they can thrive – so their families can connect with the world and learn to succeed in it – and, so they can share their culture with all of us. And, throughout the process, we’re able to show that an equitable form of international trade is possible.
Our Fair-Trade Promise is to meet the World Fair Trade Organization’s 10 Principles of Fair Trade
The WFTO defines fair-trade as a partnership based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers.
As mentioned on WFTO’s website, below are their 10 Principles of Fair Trade. This list is what we promise to follow as well:
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Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers – enabling families and communities to move from income insecurity and poverty to economic self-sufficiency and ownership.
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Transparency and Accountability – the organization is transparent in its management and commercial relations, and communication channels are good and open at all levels of the supply chain.
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Fair Trading Practices – the organization trades with concern for the social, economic and environmental well-being of marginalized small producers and does not maximize profit at their expense. Practices also include recognition, promotion, and protection of the cultural identity and traditional skills in the crafts.
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Fair Payment – consists of three categories: Fair Prices, Fair Wages, and Local Living Wages – with the aim always being the payment of a Local Living Wage through mutual negotiation.
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Ensuring no Child Labor and Forced Labor – the organization adheres to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and national/local law on the employment of children. There is no forced labor in its workforce and/or members or homeworkers.
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Commitment to Non-Discrimination, Gender Equity and Women’s Economic Empowerment, and Freedom of Association – there is no discrimination in hiring, remuneration, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, HIV/AIDS status or age.
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Ensuring Good Working Conditions – safe and healthy work environments (including working hours) are incredibly important. At a minimum, national and local laws, and ILO conventions are followed for all members.
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Providing Capacity Building – develop skills of members throughout the organization by working directly with small producers to increase management and production skills; and to help gain access to local, regional, and/or international markets.
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Promoting Fair Trade – raise awareness for the need of fair trade throughout the world. Information about the organization, its products, and producers are marketed through honest advertising methods.
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Respect for the Environment – minimize environmental impact by buying local, using raw materials from sustainable resources, renewable energy, and low-pesticide or organic production methods, and packaging with recycled or biodegradable materials whenever possible.
To find out more about the World Fair Trade Organization and their amazing efforts, click HERE.
We know that Fair-Trade is a simple, yet powerful way to make a difference in the world.
Your purchase of our handcrafted products gives communities there an opportunity to excel as they rise above poverty.
From the team at Will and Atlas, we can’t thank you enough for your contributions to this much-needed support of our friends across the globe. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
You can browse our Fair-Trade-Promise products on any of these pages:
Baskets & Storage | Jute Rugs | Homewares | Bags & Totes
For information on how to get more involved, click HERE.