fair trade: what it means to us

We believe fair trade is a simple way of saying "I want to be part of a system that works for people and the planet!" It is the key to greater justice, dignity, and equity in global commerce. As proud members of the Fair Trade Federation, we commit ourselves to the following nine fair trade principles. Let us show you what they each mean to us and how we incorporate them at one little world.

1. Cultivate New Market Opportunities

We mindfully establish and maintain artisan partnerships for lasting economic benefit and act as the conduit to connect artisans’ skills with access to new markets and customers. I travel to visit our artisan partners and maintain personal relationships. I look for new partnerships in current and new countries whenever I travel. In 2023, we established over 25 new partnerships meeting face to face with artisans in Rwanda and Brasil

2. Develop Transparent + Accountable Relationships

It's important that we know our partners, their families and communities and build relationships based on open communication and clear joint goals. Each of our artisan partnerships is founded on trust and honesty. We directly connect with our artisans to develop mutually beneficial partnerships.

3. Build Capacity

Lasting partnerships based on open communication and mutual respect are the ultimate goal. Thoughtful feedback ensures artisans have long-term success. Co-creation is the basis of our artisan partnerships so we can establish lasting relationships. Frequent communication, collaboration, and feedback allow us to co-develop products that sell, leading to reorders and long-term success.

4. Promote Fair Trade

Fair Trade is the way of the future! It is the key to greater justice, dignity, and equity in global commerce. We are committed to educating our customers about fair trade principles and our artisan partners. We are fully transparent in how we follow fair trade principles for people and planet.

5. Pay Promptly + Fairly

Pay an upfront, fair price to artisan partners that they set; they know best what their time, energy and talent is worth. Our artisan partners set their own pricing, and we pay in full upfront regardless of how the items sell through One Little World. We pay a 50% deposit before work begins, and the remaining 50% before the product is shipped.

6. Support Safe + Empowering Working Conditions

Every artisan partner deserves to work in safe conditions where their voice matters and they have opportunities to grow. Our artisans have the freedom to cultivate a safe and healthy work environment, and many work from home to be close to their families and communities.

7. Ensure the Rights of Children

Every child deserves to live and grow in a loving home where their basic needs are met. Access to education is always the priority. Many of our artisan partners are mothers who work from home to be with their children. Our goal is to protect both children and their parents.

8. Cultivate Environmental Stewardship

Care for the communities and environments where our artisan partners live and work. Focus on the use of sustainable and accessible materials in production and shipping. Do no harm to the environment. We value the environment in which each of our artisan partners lives, and aim to use only sustainably gathered materials available to each of the communities. We work to eliminate plastics, especially on both sides of the shipping process.

9. Respect Cultural, Racial + Ethnic Identity

Know the communities, cultures, and traditions of each of our artisan partners. Respect these rich stories as part of each and every product. We celebrate the rich cultural identities of our artisan partners, including their families, customs, traditions, and communities. Respect for our artisan partners means appreciating their cultural, racial, and ethnic identities.