Doing Good by Shopping Well (a List of Fair Trade Companies)
The world is a complicated place, and sometimes it’s difficult to know how to make a difference without causing any further harm. I’ve been pondering this lately, as I so badly want to do my part to shine a light, but don’t want to stomp out anyone else’s light in the process, or make anyone think I’m more important than I actually am. I was reminded that one way to do good without accidentally doing harm is to be conscious of where we spend our money. When we spend each dollar, it’s like we’re voting on the kind of businesses we want to see and the kind of world we want to support. Shopping local and buying from local artisans is one great way to support your community. You can also support positive change abroad! The following is a list of places I’ve found that say they are offering fair wages, environmental sustainability, safe workplaces, and other good things. One caveat: I’ve only visited one of these companies in person (Ziyada), so I’m taking the others at their word when they say they have good business practices. If you have any doubt you should do additional research (and let me know). If you have any companies that you think should also be on this list, please let me know in the comments! (Comments are moderated so if it doesn’t appear right away, don’t worry, it will later!)
Ziyada offers beautiful hand embroidered pillows and pillowcases, gorgeous quilts, aprons, pajama sets, and more. When you shop here, you’re buying high quality goods made by skilled artisans. You’re also lifting up women, their families, and their communities. Fair wages allow women to pay school fees for their children, have running water for the first time in their home, or visit the doctor. It’s a win for everyone.
Rahab’s Rope gives “hope and opportunity to women and children at risk or forced into the commercial sex trade.” Their online catalogue has all sorts of pretty jewelry, journals, gifts, décor, and other pretty things. I purchased a pair of earrings from this company and I always get compliments on them.
Serrv has food, items for the kitchen, home, garden, and more. They have clothes, too! I have a couple fun and unique dresses that I ordered from them.
Fair Indigo is the place to go for fair trade clothing made with sustainable materials. I’ve purchased a few things from them, and their customer service was great.
Marketplace India has lots of colorful clothing in fun prints and styles. I’ve never ordered from them, but I’ve always wanted to.
Everlane has clothing, shoes, and accessories. I’ve never ordered from them, but their website says their factories are ethical.
Patagonia has a fair-trade clothing section too!
Pact has organic and fair-trade clothing and bedding.
Fair Trade Friday offers fair trade subscription boxes. Y’all if I wasn’t in grad school, I’d totally be subscribing to this. You can also buy products through their Mercy House Global online shop.
Fashion and Compassion has pretty jewelry, accessories, and home décor.
World Crafts has all kinds of products from all over the world: accessories, home décor, jewelry, Christmas decorations, stationary, toys and more!
Ten Thousand Villages has all sorts of treasures: décor, bath and body, jewelry, baskets, sculptures, home and office, items for the garden, and more.
Well, I think those are all of the places I know of to get fair trade goodies right now. I realize that some items may be more expensive than those sold at large retailers. However, remember that you are doing more than just buying stuff; you’re making the world a better place! And I think that’s worth paying a little more if you can. Let me know about your favorite fair trade places!
