Stephen Hesse, Japan Times Environmental Columnist
"Small-scale producers in the developing world often find themselves forced to accept exploitative prices that don't even cover the cost of production. But there is an alternative that really does work. Fair trade helps people to break free from poverty and secure a better future for themselves and for their children." |
The Fair Trade Company was started 10 years ago in Japan by a British woman Safia Minney with the aim of establishing a more people-centred, environmentally sustainable trading system. Our Fair Trade programme works in partnership with over 70 small_scale producer groups in 20 countries across the developing world. Producer partners receive advance payments on orders so they do not have to go into debt to buy materials to start making the order. Partners also receive a fair price, support to develop products using traditional skills and locally available natural materials, and the security of a long term trading relationship.
 |
Product development and design work is done jointly by the People Tree team and the producers, and we try to ensure that much of the value added process is done by groups actually making the products. |
|
Our "People Tree" collection includes handicrafts, organic cotton and hand_woven clothing, organic food, handicrafts for the home, bedding, accessories, stationary, toys and musical instruments. A mail order catalogue is available in Japanese, click on the image on the right for a free copy!. In 2001 People Tree Limited was launched in the UK. |
To get the People Tree mail order catalogue, just e-mail us at
(English only) with your name and address. PLEASE NOTE: to help us cover our mailing and catalogue production costs, we do ask that you mail us back 500 yen worth of stamps once you receive the catalogue. The catalogue is only in Japanese, so you may need to get a Japanese friend to help you with ordering. We are also happy to answer any questions about the products and producer groups. Just call us on 03 5731 6671.
 |
Global Village is our Non-Governmental Organisation campaigning on social justice and environmental issues, and supporting environmental and social welfare projects. With the Fair Trade Company it helps developing world artisans and farmers help themselves and protect their environment and campaigns for fairer trade and more ethical business practice. Global Village also publishes materials on environmentally friendly lifestyles. |
Profile of a People Tree Producer
Kumbeshwar Technical School (KTS) are the producers of much of our best-selling knitwear in the People Tree catalogue. KTS, based in Nepal, offers Sabi and 150 women like her from low caste Newari families a vital opportunity to learn a trade and receive fair prices, regular orders and support through KTS's Fair Trade programme.
Traditionally the indigenous Newari people have been treated as untouchables, discriminated against by society and denied access to educational opportunities. KTS trains over 100 students each year in hand-knitting, carpentry and carpet weaving, many of whom are graduates from their own KTS school.
Profits generated from the sales of hand-knitted sweaters, scarves, and hats are used towards funding the nursery and primary school for 240 children aged between 2 and 12 years old. Children of street sweepers, small farmers and day labourers would not otherwise have an opportunity to receive an education. KTS also supports a children's home that looks after and educates 23 abandoned children. |
Riya Tamrakar, the most recent orphan to join KTS, says 'Namaste' |
KTS and its Fair Trade programme help people to gain the necessary skills to earn their own living. People Tree, is working closely with KTS to continue to create new designs and to give producers a regular income, advance payments and donations towards their social welfare and development programme.
How can you get involved?
We welcome volunteers and there are many different ways you can support our work:
- Become a member of Global Village and help support our awareness raising work here in Japan, and our development projects in the majority world. Supporting Member - ¥3,000. Sustaining Member - ¥10,000.
- Volunteer to be a Fair Trade Representative - you can sell fairly traded products in your workplace. We give extra support like free Fair Trade educational materials and small free gifts for Fair Traders ordering on behalf of lots of customers.
- Why not organise an event to sell Fair Trade goods, such as foodstuffs, household accessories and stationery? We can arrange these items on a sale or return basis if you sell JPY40,000 or over of the delivery. This helps raise awareness of Fair Trade issues and introduces people to Fair Trade products.
- Help by volunteering at our offices in Jiyugaoka. We are looking for a variety of skills to help out with administration or with our imports team. We ask that you volunteer for a regular commitment and a minimum of five hours a week.
- Volunteer at People Tree/Global Village events held in the Tokyo area.
Contact
You are very welcome to visit our shop in Jiyugaoka, Tokyo (see the map on our website). If you are interested in volunteering please contact Sonya Harding or Malcolm Cox:
Fair Trade Company/Global Village
2F, 2 16 29 Jiyugaoka, Meguro ku
Tokyo 152 0035
Tel 03 5731 6671
Fax 03 5731 6677
E-mail:
Website (English): www.ptree.co.uk
Website (Japanese): www.peopletree.co.jp
|
