Our Philosophy
Our values & philosophy….
We are dedicated to producing and supplying beautiful & quality Fair Trade & ethically produced products, carefully selected for their contemporary style and for their authenticity. We place great emphasis on working with people who are proud of the goods they produce for us and are paid a “living wage” for the quality of their workmanship, often using traditional skills that respect the environment.
The Reason..”
A Flare for Fashion, but more importantly, a Passion for People & Our Environment”. As a partnership, EcoChic believes that what we wear and consume can be both stylish and ethical, made in a just way that gives people an ability to support themselves in dignity, is kind to our planet and respects the traditional skills of artisans, so that families can stay together and communities can grow.
We have witnessed the difference fair trade working practices make to people’s lives in the developing world; we have heard the stories that are full of hope for communities and families building a better future through sustainable projects, partnerships and development.
EcoChic believes very strongly in not just talking about sustainability and taking responsibility for our environment and our future, but in demonstrating to our customers that our products are ethically sourced and our methods are as ‘green’ as we can make them wherever this is possible. We believe in being honest and accountable and given the nature of our business as open and tranparent as possible. We also offer a carbon offset “Trees for Good” programme for all our customers.
Our product accreditation:
We are one of the few partnerships, with accredited Fair Trade products, sourced from suppliers accredited by BAFTS, IFAT or with the SA8000 certification. We have developed our own EcoChic accreditation criteria for our UK partners, based on the IFAT standards. As well as supporting Fair Trade working practices in the developing world we are pioneers of ethical trade here in the UK, by partnering with suppliers who are demonstrating that trade can be done differently, ethically and with transparency.
Knowledge & passion:
We hold a knowledge of the subject as our Founder is also a lecturer in Public Health and the environment at the University of Brighton (a Fairtrade University) and has a background in quality systems management.
We hold a passion and excitement for the difference Fair Trade makes to the lives of many in the developing world. Please see our articles in our blog on Fair Trade success stories.
We believe in supporting positive change within marginalised groups by addressing the root causes of poverty through aid that is based on sustainable practices and not through charity and hold a deep commitment to Ethical & Fair Trade
We love our products and have chosen our range for their contemporary designs that utilise age-old, traditional techniques, the skills of true artisans.
Membership:
EcoChic is an accepted members of the British Association of Fair Trade Shops (BAFTs), Ethical Junction, Guide Me Green and the World Development Forum.
All of our partners adhere to:
A living wage for producers
Pleasant working conditions
Long-term working partnerships
Community development programmes
Open and transparent working relationships
Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers
Building the capacity of the producers
Ensuring producers rights are implemented
Respect for the environment in the production process
Join us in making a difference to our world,
Warm Wishes,
Deborahx
