Dedicated to Fair Trade
Our scarves and wraps are practical, yes. They keep mosquitoes and other bugs away. But they're so much more than that.
Every Shoo for Good wrap starts with thread that's spun from locally sourced cotton, colored using natural dyes, and dried in the African sun. It's then woven into luscious textiles on traditional looms. You can feel the difference when you drape a wrap over your shoulders. It falls softly.
We think you only get this sort of perfection by following fair trade guidelines. Our partners in Ethiopia and in India are monitored members of the World Fair Trade Organization, which ensures the the highest standards of quality for our products and respect for the artisans.
Fair trade is built on a set of core principles designed to create more equitable trading relationships and foster sustainable development. These are the key tenets:
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Fair Wages and Compensation: Artisans and workers receive a fair and living wage for their work. This means they are paid adequately for their labor, allowing them to meet their basic needs and improve their standard of living.
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Safe and Healthy Working Conditions: Fair trade ensures that workers operate in safe and healthy environments. This includes access to proper ventilation and safety measures to prevent accidents and health issues.
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No Child or Forced Labor: Fair trade practices strictly prohibit child labor and forced or compulsory labor. Workers have the freedom to choose their employment and are treated with dignity and respect.
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Fair Terms of Trade: Fair trade guarantees transparent and fair trading terms. This involves clear contracts, predictable prices, and timely payments. It also means that producers have a say in the trading process and are not subject to exploitative practices.
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Environmental Sustainability: Fair trade promotes environmentally sustainable practices. This includes the use of eco-friendly materials and methods, reducing waste, and conserving natural resources to protect the environment for future generations.
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Empowerment of Marginalized Communities: Fair trade supports marginalized and disadvantaged communities, particularly women and small-scale producers. It aims to empower these groups by providing them with opportunities for economic development and decision-making.
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Community Development: Fair trade encourages and supports community development projects. This can include investments in local infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other social services that benefit the wider community.
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Transparency and Accountability: Fair trade practices emphasize transparency in business operations and accountability to all stakeholders. This means honest communication, clear record-keeping, and openness about how trade practices impact workers and communities.
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Respect for Cultural Heritage: Fair trade respects and preserves cultural traditions and practices. It recognizes the value of traditional craftsmanship and ensures that these practices are upheld and valued.
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Long-term Relationships: Fair trade fosters long-term, stable relationships between producers and buyers. This stability helps producers plan for the future, invest in their businesses, and achieve sustainable growth.
By adhering to these principles, we hope to be part of a more just and equitable global trading system, benefiting both producers and consumers while promoting social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
We feel so fortunate to work with such highly skilled artisans and are honored to call them our partners.