Why Fair Trade

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.