That’s right everyone! On Saturday, May 11th, the world will come together to celebrate the contribution that Fair Trade makes to alleviating poverty, fighting climate change and curbing economic crisis. From Norway (where they will be trying to break the record for most people to fit into an oversized pair of underwear) to Kenya (where the Kenyan Federation for Alternative Trade will be planting trees), governments, NGOs and individuals will be doing their part to raise awareness.
Threads of Peru was based on and continues to hold true to the principles of fair trade. Through the web and international sales, we seek to connect indigenous Andean weavers of Peru to a global market for their craft. We buy hand-woven textiles directly from the weavers at fair market value. The weavers themselves set this price and we receive no discount. This way, the weavers have their wages up front and they make their own decisions about how to invest it.
Secretary for the Rumira Sandormayo weaving association, Juliana Huaman Quispe, enjoying a natural dyeing workshop!
Once purchased, Threads of Peru resells the textiles online with a markup that will cover maintenance and administration. Beyond these costs, all other profits are invested back into the communities through projects, which are carried out in cooperation with the community members. Among the activities that we take part in, we support marketing projects that will help guide the weavers in creating products that appeal to modern consumers, while complimenting and preserving their traditional methods of weaving.
Some of the beautiful textiles featured in our "Home" collection. Check them out online and make your World Fair Trade Day purchase!
By purchasing from us, you will not only be directly supporting the preservation of the ancient Peruvian weaving tradition and the women who practice it, but will also be contributing to the global fair trade movement. Visit our Store to see the weaver's work!