The 10 Principles of Fair Trade

Fairtrade itself implies that products are produced ethically, but there is more too it than ensuring fair wages. Fairtrade certified organisations are required to adopt 10 key principles. These principles focus on the artisans, opportunity for workers, and environmental issues. 

1 - The first principle is helping small producers to prosper and maintain themselves, by giving them the opportunity to have a solid income. That means creating a trade that benefits all parts, through means that do not imply disadvantages to smaller producers while the bigger organization makes big profits.

2 - The organisation must value the producer as an important figure in the moment of decision making, by taking into consideration their necessities and requirements, besides being transparent about their business. An organisation needs efficient and clear communication with all the parts involved in the affairs, must not take an important action without being clear about it and must not disregard what the producer has to say about it.

3 - When trading, the organisation should consider not only the profits but the respect and commitment to the environmental and economic well-being of the smaller producers. The supplier companies should also have a commitment to deliver products that match these standards.

4 - The payment should be mutually agreed between the producer and the organization, in a way that the producer is paid fairly and the products are able to have a competitive price in the market. It is important to highlight the importance of equal payments to men and women. 

5 - The organisation should adhere to the United Nations (UN) Convention on children’s rights. The organisation has the duty of making sure the children’s rights are applied during all the process of production, even if the organization is not directly responsible for all the stages of it, and even if the negotiations of the trade are made through third parties.

6 - The organisation has to reject any type of discrimination and promote gender equality, providing equal opportunities and compensation regardless of an individual’s race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, HIV/AIDS status or age.

7 - The organisation should follow strict policies/laws regarding the workspace and work hours of their employees, and make sure that when they trade with a given producer, this one also obeys these regulations.

8 - The organisation has to have a commitment with their producers and workers, to give them an opportunity to grow and seek a bright future. 

9 - The organization should be an example of fair trade, promoting a business model that brings positive changes to poor communities and encouraging more companies to do the same. 

10 - Environment should be taken into account at all times, from the source of the materials to the type of energy used. Companies must always try to use sustainable materials and to leave the least amount of residuals in the environment. The reduction of energy consumption and of greenhouse gas emissions also have to be part of the agenda. 

 At Lazy Luna we are proud to work with our Fair Trade partners. To view the full collection of Lazy Luna products click here