The Impact of Fair Trade on Fashion
A Strong Definition
Fair trade is “trade in which fair prices are paid to producers in developing countries.” The definition is in the term! This means that the artisans of Elevāt receive full compensation for their work. In turn, this allows them to more effectively provide shelter, food, clothing, education, and a more optimistic future for themselves and their families.
The Benefits of the Artisan
Fair trade allows for artisans to receive appropriate training and a fair working environment, and fair trade. As we know, many fast fashion brands use harsh and unfair work environments for their employees. With fair trade, artisans get to do the creation independently.
Not to mention, fast fashion has additional impacts on the environment itself. Fast fashion is inexpensive and easy to obtain, so naturally people buy lots of it. To the consumer, acquiring these pieces never feels like enough and eventually pollution, waste, and emissions are omitted onto our planet. With a decrease in fast fashion and an increase in slow fashion (through systems like fair trade), our planet will be healthier for longer and will increase overall quality of life for the people.
Lastly, fair trade directly helps to “alleviate poverty in lower-income countries”. There is no question that the artisans are getting paid what they deserve for their handmade work. One artisan we get the pleasure of working with is called DuHope. DuHope is overcoming these patterns every day. DuHope is based out of Rwanda and allows for women who have been stuck in the cycle of the sex trade to be free. These women get to learn jewelry-making and soap-making which in turn provides them with fair wages. DuHope provides its women with an education, medical care, and a safe environment to work in. Elevāt loves getting to hear stories like this and so many others as a result of our fair trade system.
Check out some of DuHope’s product in the photos below.
The Benefits of the Fashion Industry
There has recently been an uproar of the terms ethical fashion and ethical shopping. “Ethical shopping means buying products made without exploiting people, animals or the environment.” Often, I have thought of ethical shopping as expensive and not worth the price. It’s so easy to slip into that mindset as it can feel like you’re getting the same product for less money when you practice fast fashion habits.
However, when you spend the extra dollar, you’re also helping an artisan and their family who are in need. Additionally, fair trade allows shoppers to correlate their shopping habits with their values and gain a wardrobe that was intentionally chosen, picked through, and of high quality. By avoiding fast fashion and supporting slow fashion there are benefits directly to you. You are avoiding hurting the environment and in turn you’re getting high quality, handmade, and beautiful pieces with inspiring background stories to go with.