  Starfish
Fairtrade is a fair trade import business run by Joy Mackintosh. Handloom
bedspreads and throws made in tradional stripes or smooth classic
weaves, stunning rose cushions and hardwearing hand-thrown pottery
are all part of a growing range of handmade and ethical products.These
are included with the intent of making a difference to the lives of
both those who produce them and use them.
Most
of our products help ensure the survival of employable traditional
skills particularly for woman. On average an Indian woman will spend
7 hours a day finding wood and fetching water. As water supply and
re-foresting in small communities improves, they can now devote less
time to these basic tasks and are free to earn a living for their
family.
Over
and above this, we operate the fair trade principal where we pay a
premium to ensure that a fair wage is paid for everything made and
that working conditions are reasonable.
Above is a group of farmers from
the Indian Organic Farmers Association, set up under the Chetna Project.
This group is comprised entirely of farmers whose land is 2 acres
or less. A premium is paid for the cotton they grow, which at last
is breaking the cycle of debt and poverty they have laboured under
for so long.
In addition, all farmers have now
returned to the organic growing methods traditionally used by them.
Returning the soil to its original state, reducing the cost of growing
and resulting in pure, soft cotton and better health conditions for
the farmers as they are no longer using pesticides.
The group we are working with is
now on track to securing their own cotton 'ginning' mill, a move which
will give them autonomy throughout the entire process. In time it
will bring an end to the living conditions such as these pictured
left, which are presently endured by itinerant cotton workers.
Starfish Fairtrade - aiming to make
a difference. Will you help us?
MISSION STATEMENT
- STARFISH FAIRTRADE
. To make fair trade our focus
– and buy from fair trade producers wherever possible.
2. To make a difference and improve the quality of life of every person
involved in the process - from raw material producers right through
to end consumers.
3. To be as environmental as possible in the way we operate and in the
production of our goods and in particular to use only wood that is recycled
from the rubber industry or comes from a forestry managed sustainable
source (FSC). To develop organic products wherever we can.
4. To be solution orientated and never to give up. To be positive and
fair in all our dealings.
5. To promote fair trade to as wide a market as possible showing it
as an alternative to solely profit-led trade.
6. To work closely with small producer groups, always making advance
payments when required, helping them increase their skills, market and
customer base - helping them become totally self-sustaining and independent.
7. To keep abreast of market trends and have a product that will withstand
competition from other companies thus ensuring that our suppliers are
always supported and that we succeed.
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