Our Story
EcoChic Fair Trade is a Sussex, UK partnership, supplying a special collection of limited edition Fair Trade products.
Our exceptional range from skilled artisans living in rural villages and small cottage industries in the developing world, offers beautiful quality and classic style, with many of our products individually handmade and using eco-friendly methods of production. Each of our products has been carefully selected for their individuality and each holds a story which we tell for you. We have also recently expanded our range to include partner organisations in the UK who are pioneers of ethical trade. Each of these organisations is assessed and validated using our own EcoChic accreditation standards. Please see our blog for details.
About Us..
- 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 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.
- We hold a knowledge of the subject as our Founder is also a lecturer in Public Health and Sustainability at the University of Brighton (a Fairtrade University) and has a background in quality 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.
- We love our products and have chosen our range for their contemporary designs that utilise age-old, traditional techniques, the skills of true artisans.
- We are accepted members of Ethical Junction, Guide Me Green and the World Development Forum and are currently applying for BAFTS membership.
Our commitment to Fair Trade
- We are dedicated to producing and supplying beautiful & quality Fair Trade products, carefully selected for their 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.
- We aim to promote the difference Fair Trade working practices make for the producers in the developing world and here in the UK.
- We totally support the working practices that support Fair Trade and openly promote these and work with these principles ourselves in our own working relationships both here in the UK and with our partner groups.
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.
EcoChic showcases these pioneering and inspirational ethical brands with great pleasure. We embrace style with a conscience.
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.
- 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
With your help we can make a positive difference, restore dignity and change lives through Fair Trade.
A message to our Customers:
Whilst we recognise the importance or reusing and recycling, EcoChic Fair Trade is also convinced of positive effects a few small changes in our buying habits can have on producers in the developing countries, as they have told us so.
EcoChic Fair Trade is offering you the choice of beautiful and exceptional quality Fair Trade products, produced with respect to the environment, to eat, to wear, to give and to receive.
We hope we inspire you to create beautiful change in our world & we look forward to supplying you with our stylish and ethical range of Fair Trade products.
Warm Wishes,
Deborah Miarkowska
Founder
ECOCHIC Fair Trade
