The modern world is full of mass-produced, low-cost goods. While they may be convenient, the production and transportation of these products have a significant impact on the environment and the people involved in their production. As consumers become more aware of these issues, many are turning to handcrafted products that are made with care and attention to detail.

Not only are handcrafted products often of higher quality, but they can also support fair trade and economic development in developing countries. By purchasing handcrafted products, you can directly empower artisans and support their livelihoods.

In this article, we'll explore how your purchases of handcrafted products can support fair trade and economic development in developing countries.

Handcrafted Products and Fair Trade

Handcrafted products are often made by skilled artisans who work in small, independent workshops or cooperatives. These artisans often come from marginalized communities and may lack access to traditional employment opportunities.

By purchasing handcrafted products from fair trade organizations, you can support these artisans and help create a more equitable global economy. Fair trade organizations provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to training and education for their artisans. This can help break the cycle of poverty and create sustainable economic development.

Supporting Sustainable Practices

Handcrafted products are often made using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. These techniques can be environmentally friendly and sustainable, using natural materials and minimizing waste.

In contrast, mass-produced goods often rely on cheap, synthetic materials that are harmful to the environment. The production of these materials can create pollution, and the goods themselves may not be biodegradable.

By supporting handcrafted products, you can help preserve traditional techniques and promote sustainable practices.

Empowering Artisans and Communities

When you purchase handcrafted products, you are supporting independent artisans and their communities. Many of these artisans come from marginalized communities and lack access to traditional employment opportunities.

By supporting these artisans, you are helping to empower them and their communities. This can create a ripple effect of economic development, as the artisans reinvest their income in their families, communities, and local economies.

Providing a Connection to the Product

When you purchase a handcrafted product, you are often purchasing more than just a physical item. You are purchasing a connection to the artisan who made it and the community they come from.

This connection can deepen your appreciation for the product and the people behind it. It can also provide a sense of satisfaction, knowing that your purchase is making a difference in the lives of others.

The Impact of Your Purchases

The impact of your purchases can be significant. According to the Fair Trade Federation, fair trade purchases in the US alone totalled $9.7 billion in 2019. This has a direct impact on the lives of artisans and their communities.

By purchasing handcrafted products, you can help support fair trade and economic development in developing countries. Your purchases can create a more equitable global economy and help break the cycle of poverty.

FAQs
Q: What types of handcrafted products are available?
A: Handcrafted products come in a wide range of categories, including jewellery, textiles, home decor, pottery, and more.
Q: How do I know if a product is fair trade?
A: Look for products that are certified by fair trade organizations such as BAFTS & WFTO.