Happy True Cost Tuesday, where we unpack the reasons behind why we at Yobel only provide fair trade, ethical, and sustainable clothing and accessories. This is volume eight and you can read previous volumes here. Today I’ll be talking about artisan empowerment and how it prevents exploitation.
When chatting with our customers we often let them know we have over 60 stores to tell. Stories from amazing, established brands who work closely with manufacturing and the people involved. And, stories of people around the world using their skills to hand make high quality goods. Both connections to the products we offer have artisans at the core.
An artisan is someone working in a skilled trade mostly creating with their hands. Many artisan skills are passed down from generation to generation keeping traditions alive. When artisans are supported, they can earn a dignified living.
Poverty is the crux of vulnerability. Vulnerability creates desperation, and desperation is a target for those who exploit people. Exploitation can look different whether it’s human trafficking, slave labor, underpaid labor or physical abuse. The sweatshops and human trafficking, sometimes one in the same, are the largest examples of exploitation happening every day, even where we live.
As we’ve talked about before, we vote with our dollar. Purchasing fair trade products casts a vote for people to have dignified work and the ripple effect is global! The more we purchase fair trade, the more successful artisans and their businesses will be. Communities around the world are then able to meet economic needs and are positively impacted both socially and environmentally. In turn, this means less poverty, less vulnerability and desperation, which can truly end exploitation!
Every small step counts and Yobel exists not only to support current fair trade efforts but to also get up stream from exploitation and prevent it in the first place. A little local love, does a lot of global good.