National Fair Trade Fortnight- UK

As it is Fair Trade Fortnight in the UK, we have decided to tell you a little more about some of our wonderful Fair Trade makers and the companies and organisations that work with them. Fair Trade is synonymous with conscientious consumerism, something that we endeavour to project in our little business.

The World Fair Trade Organisation has simplified the most important aspects of Fair Trade in 10 Principles of Fair Trade: Opportunities for disadvantaged producers; transparency and accountability; fair trade practices; fair payment; no child or forced labour; No discrimination, gender equity and freedom of association; good working conditions; capacity building; promote fair trade; respect for the environment.

Our Tagua Necklaces being made. Photo by the lovely Just Trade.

These are wonderful principles, and some fair trade supporters go even further. Some of the importers, groups and fair trade associations we work with also help with the education and health of not only the workers, but also the villagers where they live. In short, these companies care. A lot of work can go into forming a Fair Trade business. In some areas some of the ten principles are completely new ideas for the manufacturers and there are various loops to leap through and plenty of forms to sign…which is why it is such a big thing for the producers that get Fair Trade certified.

South of Madras near the East Coast of India is a small village, Allangkuppam.  In an idyllic setting surrounded by trees and plants of every description and with a plentiful rainfall and a good local supply of china clay, lies the Sivam pottery. This is where our new egg cups are made. Here the master potter and a group of about 60 artisans, drawn from local villages, work together to create a wide variety of ceramic items. Every step of the process is done by hand, from when the raw clay is softened, formed on the potters’ wheel, fired in the wood burning kilns, glazed and finally packed ready to the UK.

This labour intensive project provides training in a craft and employment opportunities for members of an economically weak rural community. Thanks to the ceramic unit with IFAT member support and employees benefit from medical and insurance facilities. A school has been started in the village for 350 pupils under the age of 11, primarily for the children of artisans who work in the pottery, but also for children who live in the surrounding rural area. This is a wonderful example of how Fair Trade is more than just buying something made by someone being paid a fair wage.

Our stunning, new marble homeware is also all made Fair Trade. This group of stoneworkers are supported by a Fair Trade organisation, which is a member of WFTO. They provide decent
working conditions, in a difficult industry, with a well lit and ventilated workshop. Extra Fair Trade benefits  include a free medical camp. Every month, more than 200 patients are taken care of by the team  doctors and receive adequate treatment. Follow-up is done as needed for patients coming back to the camp after their initial consultation. Furthermore,Educational Scholarship programme, supporting 8 pupils from economically challenged backgrounds, meaning this fair trade scheme helps a fresh new generation.

Similarly, our new wire birds and bottle openers are made by some very talented producers under a fair-trade group in India. This group, as well as following the ten principles of Fair Trade, have also used their export profit to build and fund 3 schools in disadvantaged areas and fund a project to provide water filters to the artisans for the workplace and home. Another lovely example of how Fair trade projects can help not  only individuals, but whole families and villages.

Ronald from Ecuador who works with Just Trade.

Our Tagua Animal Necklaces were the first Fair Trade item we added to our range. We fell a little bit in love with the jewellery, and then even more in love with the story behind them. Imported by the collaborative and wonderfully innovative brand Just Trade (founded in 2006 by jewellery designer Laura Cave). These wonderful necklaces have been made fair trade in Ecuador. Made from the Tagua Nut, also known as vegetable Ivory, this is an environmentally friendly alternative to animal Ivory. These wonderful people blend traditional, environmentally friendly methods with fantastic design. We are adding more of there wonderful jewellery to our range, so keep your eyes peeled.

Originally Home of Juniper was going to be a British only brand; however, as we looked into trade and producers we became attached not only to the fair trade products we discovered, but also the stories behind them. We realised we would be able to spread more positivity by supporting ethical producers abroad as well as in the UK.  We are constantly amazed by the skills and creativity shon by our lovely fair trade makers. Not every brand we use is certified Fair Trade, but they do all follow ethical practice, something that Fair Trade associations continue to encourage. Some are on the way to getting their Fair Trade certification.

To be taken to the Fair Trade page of our website, please follow this link

We would like to say thank you to all our fair trade makers, associations and importers for making, designing and shipping these beautiful products to us. Thank you for those people who helped by giving us the photos and information we needed to write this blog. Special thanks to Just Trade and NOT