Why Fair Trade | Living Imprints

why fair trade

Living Imprints is a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation, an association of like-minded wholesalers, retailers, and producer groups who are working together to expand the benefits of Fair Trade around the globe.

As members of the Fair Trade Federation, we make the deepest commitment to 360° fair trade. We undergo rigorous screening and strive to create positive change through all of our work: socially, economically, and environmentally. We work with small farmers and artisans in holistic partnerships built on trust. These relationships go beyond ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions — they empower producers to strengthen their communities and grow their businesses sustainably.

What is Fair Trade?
Fair Trade is an alternative way of doing business – one that builds equitable, long-term partnerships between consumers in North America and producers in developing regions. Fair Trade businesses commit to the following nine principles:

Create Opportunity

Fair Trade is a strategy for poverty alleviation through sustainable development. Living Imprints creates social and economic opportunities through trading partnerships with village artisans in Sanganer, India. The interests of the artisans and their community is our primary concern.

Build Capacity

Fair Trade aims to help producers become self-sustaining. Living Imprints maintains a long-term relationship based on solidarity, trust, and mutual respect so that the artisans can improve their skills and have more access to markets. Capacity is built through balanced communication, assistance with finances, and a continuous dialogue about best practices.

Prompt & Fair Pay

Fair trade means paying producers enough to cover the cost of sustainable production plus the value of their work, enabling them to provide for themselves, their families and their communities. Living Imprints ensures that payment is prompt and distributed equitably.

Safety & Health

Fair trade means safe and healthy working conditions with no forced or child labor. Living Imprints does not discriminate based on caste, religion, age, marital or health status. Abuse of any kind is not tolerated and the workplace environment is one of empowerment and equal participation.

Transparency

Fair trade demands relationships that are open, fair, consistent and respectful. Living Imprints aims to make the entire trade chain as transparent as possible, through proactive and honest communication. When issues arise, all parties work cooperatively to implement solutions or gain guidance from other fair trade partners.

Children's Rights

Fair trade means all children have the right to security, education and play according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Living Imprints also considers local Indian laws and social norms. No exploitative child labor is involved in production.

Environmental Stewardship

Fair trade groups actively consider the implications of their decisions on the environment. Living Imprints promotes sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship, mindful of the needs of future generations.

Respect Cultural Identity

Fair trade celebrates the vast diversity of communities and seeks to create positive change wherever possible. Living Imprints respects the traditional craft of hand block-printing and carving and aims to sustain and revitalize the craft through access to broader markets.

Promote Fair Trade

Fair trade encourages an understanding of the complex roles involved in world trade. Living Imprints actively raises awareness about fair trade and social justice by encouraging customers and producers to ask questions about conventional trade. We aim to demonstrate that trade can be a force for improving people’s lives on multiple levels.