Fair Trade is perhaps the most knows in connection to coffee and fair wages, however Fair Trade certification means much more. Fair Trade brand awareness has increased in the last decade, and now several thousands of products, including rice, bananas, tea, wine, and textiles are traded to help producers in developing countries make better trading conditions and promote sustainability. Learn more about the selection of Fair Trade products at the Fair Trade Federation and, if you are interested in hand-knit alpaca clothing and winter wear, check out Mayu!

Beyond offering fair pay to workers, Fair Trade promotes fair labor standards and pricing, sustainable business and socially responsible business practices. Communities that participate in fair trade are guaranteed minimum pay, plus social price premium for community development and preservation. Fair Trade communities are also most likely to use sustainable ways of conducting businesses – such as organic farming and eco-friendly clothes. It is also common for Fair Trade communities to reinvest locally – in training of other community members, education of their children, strengthening democracy and better governance, and supporting other local businesses.

Mayu is a member of Fair Trade Federation. Here are some examples, how we help Chiquian through our business:

Fair wages: minimum wage in Peru is less than $200/ month; in addition jobs in rural villages are limited, seasonal, and difficult option for a family to sustain sufficient income. Mayu knitters earn reasonable pay for their high quality work – much higher than an average rural worker. In fact, they tell us how much they want to make and we base our prices on that!

Fair labor conditions: Mayu knitters work using high quality materials and in clean environment. Mayu also does not use child labor, instead we have created conditions in which knitters can work at home, taking care of their families and earning enough to support education of their children.

Direct trade: there are no intermediaries between Chiquian and Chicago. One of Mayu knitters takes an 8 hour long bus ride to Lima, and ships all throws, scarves, shawls and accessories to the US, where they are received and resent to our customers.

Community development:  Mayu knitters reinvest their income in other local businesses in the village such as the local grocers, clothing shops and school supplies stores.

For more on Mayu, find us on Twitter, and Facebook, and hear more stories from the field on our Blog!