Ethical sourcing is an important and effective means of bringing benefits to workers in the South. It is having a real effect on large companies in the United Kingdom, encouraging them to look at all their trading activities.

Ethical Trade is based around non exploitation and the code set down by the Ethical Trading Initiative, the code includes:

 

• no forced labour
• freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining
• safe and hygienic working conditions
• no child labour to be used
• living wages to be paid
• no excessive working hours
• no discrimination
• regular employment to be provided
• no harsh or inhumane treatment

 

Fair Trade offers all the above but also:

 

• Fair Trade works towards greater equity in global trading relationships
• The trading relationship should benefit the wider community of the producer
• Long term trading partnerships
• An active relationship between the producer and the importer, whereby the producer is given guidance and advice on product development, marketing, developing skills etc
• Fair Trade works with marginalised producers who would otherwise not be able to access world markets

• Fair Trade considers the environmental impact of trade and seeks to use sustainable or recycled raw materials and works towards getting rid of chemicals used in food production.

Fair Trade is a social movement where people come before profits!