FAIR TRADE

The economic principle of Comparative Advantage states that if each nation made just those things that it could produce cheaper relative to a foreign country and then trade with other nations to get that which those nations could produce relatively cheaper, wealth would expand and everyone would benefit.  The theory of free trade holds Comparative Advantage as a key tenet.  However, the practice of "free trade" departs from theory on a number of points.  For example, under recent "free trade" agreements, the concept of barriers to trade has been expanded to include domestic regulations, public health and human rights measures, and environmental protection laws which inhibit business activity.  Other examples include embargos, blockades and sanctions which restrict the flow of goods from one community of the world to another, most often creating extreme hardships for those who rely upon that trade for their subsistence.  Beyond political reasons there are famines, natural disasters, the legacy of wars, geographic isolation, economic isolation, a lack of infrastructure and a myriad of other factors that inhibit the flow of goods from one community of the world to another.

Fair Trade is an alternative approach to conventional international trade, which seeks to improve living standards by promoting social, economic and environmental development.  It is a trading partnership between producers, traders and consumers that aims at sustainable development for economically disadvantaged producers by improving market access.

The key elements of Fair Trade include:
·       Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers
·       Transparency and accountability
·       Develop independence for producers so they can increase their capacity to pursue new markets
·       Payment of a fair price agreed upon through dialogue
·       Gender equality
·       Decent working conditions and conformance to the UN Convention on the Rights of Children
·       Sustainable and responsible environmental practices

We at CORNER LOT HOME DECOR have personally visited all our factories and suppliers to ensure we are following the spirit and guidelines of the Fair Trade movement. Fair Trade means that small producers receive fair prices for their products, helping them build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.  We negotiate directly with all our producers to establish a fair, agreed upon price.  In addition, we are very concerned about the treatment of women and children.  If trade is to reduce poverty it must benefit women, who are the vast majority of the poor, and engage them to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.  Furthermore, our environmental responsibility mandate goes far beyond recycling.  Every piece we bring to you is handmade from recycled or replenishable natural materials using production techniques that strive to minimize damage to the environment.  We visit our factories and the homes of our workers regularly to ensure that working conditions are reasonable, women are treated fairly and children are not abused.

One way to support the Fair Trade movement is to buy Fair Trade products that come from organizations you trust such as ALL THINGS ASIAN.  For millions of people, Fair Trade means the difference between a hand-to-mouth existence, and being able to plan for the future.  In the past decade, the Fair Trade movement has really taken off.  More retailers than ever are stocking Fair Trade goods and more poor communities are feeling the benefits.  Fair Trade is a growing international movement, which ensures that producers in poor countries get a chance to show their products to the world.  And CORNER LOT HOME DECOR actively seeks out those producers to bring those products to you.

CORNER LOT HOME DECOR is proud to be a strong supporter of the Fair Trade philosophy.  It is good for producers, it is good for the environment, it is good for consumers, it is good for the domestic economy, and it bridges the gap between cultures through understanding and appreciation...everyone wins with FAIR TRADE.