By using the term "ethically sourced" to describe our company we ensure that we are commited to offering products with a 'clear conscience'. Fair trade seeks to help people in developing countries by promoting sustainability for their trade. Fair trade stands for the payment of a fair price for a product, relative to the economy of origin. It also means that a fair deposit or payment scheme must be provided for the producer to start production in order that they are not out of pocket in the outset.
Our products are sourced from an artist based in a poor communitiy in Africa. We cannot officially yet obtain formal fair trade accreditation as this currently only certifies food and cotton products however we have assessed the working practice to ensure the fair trade principles are adhered to.
In addition to being fair trade, for every painting purchased a donation equal to the original purchase price is made to the charity; The Rainbow Community Care (school, orphanage and hospital), local to the artist in Kenya. This donation is more sustainable than a hand-out as the charity helps to co-ordinate the shipments, meaning the quality of their work directly influences the donations they receive. We also employ another member of the community to act as our representative and production control in Kenya. This helps relieve poverty locally and includes the community in the trade
Our aim is to maintain affordable prices for 3 reasons:
1) This will allow access to unique and individual pieces for more new parents and home makers
2) This will encourage regular production and therefore regular income for the African team involved
3) The art has a rustic nature and is box framed to accentuate its 'back to basics' ethos. The price reflects this and in our opinion it only enhances the statement that each of these truely individual pieces makes
In this rapidly changing world, we must all do our part to reduce and eliminate the harmful effects our lifestyles have on the planet. In the inevitable move towards being more selective about the products we buy and use, it is important to embrace 'conscious consumerism'. Consuming fewer items more selectively makes it ever more essential that they originate from a sustainable and ethical source.
