In the most basic terms - fair trade is an equitable, long-term relationship between
trading partners, and a way to ensure low-income artisans are truly being helped
out of poverty.

Fair trade is a growing movement to help low-income artisans in developing
countries move towards economic self-sufficiency. It promotes sustainability
on all levels and creates opportunities to alleviate poverty. Artisans receive
fair wages, education, financial and technical assitance, and have safe working
conditions. Fair trade organizations like WorldFinds pre-pay 50% for their products
upfront, and work closely with the artisans on design and quality. Fair trade
is about respectful relationships and is having a positive impact on the lives
of thousands of artisans. It is starting to make the world a better place.

It is also a long-awaited alternative to traditional trade and a way to effect
real social change!

WorldFinds ensures that we:

- pay a fair wage in the local context
- support safe, healthy & participatory workplaces
- provide 50% pre-payment for orders placed
- build long-term relationships
- provide ongoing education and training
- ensure environmental sustainability
- provide equal opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged
- respect cultural identity
- build long-term, direct relationships

There are 9 Principles of Fair Trade recently adopted by the Fair Trade Federation,
and soon there will be explicit practices on how those principles can be achieved.
All of this and a wealth of great information about fair trade can be found
at: www.fairtradefederation.org.