Buying Fair Trade products is a great way to not only support responsible companies, but also reduce poverty, encourage environmentally friendly production methods, and safeguard humane working conditions worldwide.
What is Fair Trade?
Fair Trade certified businesses are part of a global community that puts people and the planet first.
It’s a commitment that highlights the need to change the practices of conventional trade and shows first-hand how successful businesses can put people first. It’s also a tangible contribution to the fight against poverty, climate change and economic crisis. To learn more about what it means to be a Fair Trade certified company, check out our previous blog.
As a Fair Trade certified company ourselves, we at Betterfelt believe it’s important to champion other Fair Trade products and brands and help grow support for this awesome community.
In this new series, we’ll be highlighting some of the Fair Trade products we’ve been loving lately.
In this edition: some show-stopping jewelry, an adventurous backpack, and a t-shirt from a brand whose mission we can get behind!
1. Bracelets from LoveLou Jewellery
When it comes to beautiful Fair Trade certified jewelry, we need to show some love to our fellow Fair Trade Danmark member, LoveLou Jewellery!
LoveLou Jewellery is a one-woman business owned and operated by Louise Shea, who designs and produces sustainable Danish jewelry and textiles.
About twice a year, Louise creates two small collections with her own production group of skilled female artisans in three family-run workshop cooperatives in the highlands and the heart of Guatemala. Everything piece is hand-sewn/woven.
The pieces themselves are made with exclusive recyclable glass beads, primarily from the brand 'Miyuki'. LoveLou creates earrings and bracelets in a variety of different styles for women, men, and children. Check out their website to view theirlatest collections.
2. The Arbor Lid Pack from Patagonia
Outdoor clothing company Patagonia’s practice of “business unusual” has made waves in the business world in recent years. Its ethical and sustainable practices are an example of how a business can thrive while being good to both people and the planet. The company has lots of great practices and initiatives we love and one of them is being Fair Trade certified!
We enjoy the outdoors, so it’s hard to pick just one Patagonia product to recommend, but for this edition we wanted to feature the Patagonia Arbor Lid pack.
Available in a variety of styles and colours, this backpack is perfect for both work and play. It features a padded sleeve for a 15” laptop and exterior pockets to keep important items close at hand. Its body is made up of 100 per cent recycled materials with a durable water repellent coating that doesn’t have perfluorinated chemicals. We think this is a pretty great adventure companion!
3. Humanity First T-shirt from Known Supply
Known Supply is a Fair Trade certified company that’s on a mission to humanize the clothing industry. They aim to create quality staples that you’ll keep in your closet for years to come - and that also celebrate the people who make them.
Each Known Supply piece is hand-signed by the person who made it and you can look them up on their website to learn more about them.
We think this comfy Humanity First unisex t-shirt drives this message home. With summer just around the corner, we all need a perfect Fair Trade T-shirt, right?
As a company that also takes pride in highlighting and celebrating our artisans, we love what Known Supply is doing and can’t wait to see what they continue to do in the future!