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We believe that it is vitally important that people consider the effects of their actions and lifestyles on the future of our planet. This is happening more and more with awareness growing on issues such as fair trade, organic farming and climate change.
The changes that are required from us are far-reaching and very difficult to implement in one drastic step, however consumers are gradually realising the importance of these issues to the future of their families and are increasingly purchasing products with ecological and ethical backgrounds.
Responsibility for the increasing awareness of ethical trading lies with us all, but perhaps it is the retailers that interact with consumers on a daily basis that are the most effective at getting this message across.
At Fine Online Shopping we take these issues seriously. That is why all of our products are sourced from World Rhythm Percussion, a member of the British Association of Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS). BAFTS certify that World Rhythm Percussion source their products in a fair trade manner and from sustainable materials. All ethically and sustainably sourced items are indicated as such in the additional information section of the products web page.
World Rhythm Percussion (WRP) only sources products from local artists, communities and craftsmen. They take an active interest in the local community and economy of these craftsmen and we strive to understand the issues that affect the craftsmen’s lives. Indonesia is the source of many of the products WRP supply. The WRP team have particularly integrated themselves with Indonesia and its culture, in fact one of their UK originates from Indonesia. Producers are found that represent the five main religions and both male and female craftsmen are employed through the various stages of the production process. This helps to further maintain a social balance in these areas.
WRP works with the Artists and Craftsmen to develop new products for future lines thus sustaining future business. They allow the Producers to dictate prices and will ensure that these prices are above local averages. In return they demand high quality products and an attention to detail that surpasses products that are made under factory or other mass-production conditions. This rewards the high quality craftsmen and encourages other importers to work with the high quality artists above other producers. WRP provide the producers with business advice when needed to assist them in trading with western companies and ensure that they receive similar fair trade conditions from other importers.
WRP believe that education is critical to any community. As such child labour is not tolerated.They do, however encourage the part-time training of older youths, insisting that these trainees remain in education and that they receive a full wage for the time that they spend working. This will ensure that they have a career to follow upon leaving school (if they choose to do so) and will help to sustain the community for successive generations.
WRP visits the producers that they work with at least once a year to inspect production conditions and to maintain personal relationships with the craftsmen. They also have a manager on the ground, year round, to oversee the production process and communicate any issues back to the UK.
WRP demands that all raw materials are sustainable and legal. No poached or endangered woods are to be used. Legal documents are regularly inspected to ensure that these laws are not breached and that the provenance of the raw materials can be shown. No toxic or harmful materials are to be used in the production process and any waste created must be disposed of in an ecologically sound manner. All shipping materials should be recyclable.
Not only that but we recycle all of our packaging and use recycled or sustainable materials for wherever possible.
If you would like to know more about our ethical and ecological views please get in touch.