At iapetus, we’ve always had a strong ethos of only offering crafts that are handmade and ethically sourced. We’ve always been proud to stock fair trade products. As it is currently Fairtrade Fortnight, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to tell you about the brilliant fair trade suppliers we work with!
All our fair trade work comes from British companies who specialise in sourcing fairly traded work from the far corners of the world. They work hand in hand with their artisans, designing amazing products that celebrate the traditional skills and techniques of their region, whilst creating products that appeal to the tastes of a Western audience.
Our fair trade suppliers ensure the artisans get a fair wage and work in a safe and healthy environment. They try to make sure that the community as well as the individual benefits from this trade. They regularly visit as many suppliers as possible to check that fair standards are being applied, for instance adequate lighting and ventilation in the workplace, no child labour and gender equality. Our fair trade importers have formed long and lasting relationships with the craftsmen and women.
One of the other great reasons we love fair trade is that, so many of the items created utilise reclaimed materials we in the West would just throw in the bin. They really do embrace the true meaning of recycling, turning rubbish into wonderful goodies to be enjoyed.
Namaste is a growing British business with a strong ethical policy at its core. They buy from small scale producers who use largely natural materials and traditional techniques to produce beautiful and interesting articles. All Namaste products are fairly traded. They believe that the best way to reduce poverty is through trade.
You can check out our full range of Namaste products here...
Shared Earth works with over 30 producers from around the world to bring you fairly traded and ethical products, gifts and world crafts including our range of recycled tin vehicles by Bezalila, a co-operative of artisans in Madagascar.
Shared Earth began as a small shop on Goodramgate, York, which opened in October 1986, and now has seven shops to its name. Shared Earth builds and maintains partnerships with producers and disadvantaged people in developing countries which helps to keep traditional skills alive, whilst benefiting local communities and building bridges, regardless of race, religion or culture.
You can check out our full range of Shared Earth products here...
These beautiful glass wind chimes would add both colour and music to your garden or home. The hand cut glass pieces make a lovely relaxing tinkling sound in the breeze and shimmer with a sunlight streaming through them.
Handmade in Indonesia from driftwood and glass offcuts each wind chime/mobile is unique - the one you receive may vary from the image shown, but will be just as marvellous! They are fairly traded by Sunlover who are recognised by BAFTS (the British Association of Fair Trade Shops). Strung on nylon, the wind chimes are suitable to be hung in the garden.
You can check out our full range of Sunlover products here...
Since 2001 Paper High, run by husband and wife team - Mark and Claire, have specialised in selling Fair Trade paper products and gifts made in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Their range of stationery, gifts and home accessories are of exceptional quality and have always been a hit, both in galleries and online.
All Paper High's products are handmade using locally sourced sustainable and recycled materials wherever possible. They only work with small family businesses, community incentives, charities and accredited Fair Trade organisations and promise every product is Fair Trade as set out by the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO). All of their beautiful products are handmade by skilled artisans using sustainable or recycled materials wherever possible.
You can check out our full range of Paper High products here...