Welcome to Roots Fair Trade Shop
Here at Roots we are passionate about fair trade. We wanted to be able to make a difference, however small, to the Global issues of poverty. We all know that the rich grow richer and more powerful and the poor suffer as a result.
How can we as individuals, communities and businesses send the message that we care about people - that we care about our planet - that we care about how the goods we buy are made and how the people who make them are treated? One very simple way is to buy fair trade products.
Fair Trade has grown rapidly over the past few years and there are many companies supplying and selling fair trade goods of all kinds - from food to furniture, clothing to cushions, pencils to photo frames - the list is endless.
Fair Trade Products
What are fairly traded and ethical goods?
Many farmers and workers in developing countries struggle to provide for their families. Poor market access and unfair trade rules often mean that the price they get for their crop does not cover the cost of production. Fair trade is a rapidly growing international movement which seeks to guarantee a better deal for farmers and workers in the developing world. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the South. Fair Trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.
Ethical Trading means companies are involved in a process of trying to ensure that the basic labour rights of the employees of their third world suppliers from developing countries are respected. There are a huge range of products that are traded fairly. At Roots we work closely with our suppliers and can guarantee that at the heart of these companies is a desire to make a difference to people’s lives by not only paying a fair, above average price, but also by ensuring the following:
- No Child Labour
- Economic Stability
- No Sweat Shops
- Environmental Awareness
Many of us are becoming more aware that we are consuming the Earth’s resources at an incredible rate, with little or no thought for where this will leave us in the coming years. Our systems of trade, and demand for cheap goods, ensure that many workers, farmers and producers around the world often receive less for their goods than the cost of production. Many are forced to work in horrific conditions, and children are known to be sold into this system to make the goods that we demand, at a price we’re willing to pay.
What is Fairtrade?
The term Fairtrade is used to describe the certification and labelling system governed by Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO). FLO owns the FAIRTRADE Mark and establishes standards for products to which the FAIRTRADE Mark can be applied. The Fairtrade Foundation holds the exclusive license to approve the use of the FAIRTRADE Mark on products sold in the UK. When a product carries the FAIRTRADE Mark it means the producers and traders have met Fairtrade standards. The standards are designed to address the imbalance of power in trading relationships, unstable markets and the injustices of conventional trade. Currently food, cotton and cosmetic products carry the FAIRTRADE Mark.
Fairtrade changes lives! At Roots we have a range of Fairtrade certified cotton products which are clearly identified with the Certified Cotton FAIRTRADE Mark. By choosing from our range of Fairtrade certified cotton products you can make a real difference to the lives of cotton farmers in developing countries. As well as guaranteeing producer organisations a fair and stable price for their products that covers the cost of production, they also receive a social premium; extra money that has to be spent on community projects.
A-Z OF MANUFACTURERS:
Ascension Epona Equal Exchange Gringo Just Trade Namaste Traidcraft