Ethical Buying Policy

The One World Shop works to alleviate poverty in developing countries through the sale of fairly traded goods bought from marginalised producer groups. Products are bought either directly from producer groups or from importers who are in turn buying according to recognised fair trade principles.

Producers may have much or little experience in exporting and One World Shop can provide a small area for market testing products from new producers. In all cases purchases must have a wider, community benefit to the producer groups and production must involve sound social and environmental practices.

We have spent time with many of our producers all over the world and have built great relationships over the 30+ years we have been trading. Some of our producers also get the opportunity to visit the UK usually during Fairtrade Fortnight, and tour round the country visiting groups and talking about their experiences. It’s really wonderful to hear from the true stories of our products straight from the people who are making them.

Our product range also includes UK based products with a sustainable, planet friendly purpose such as body products, books and t-shirts.

We always strive to ensure our products and producers are audited to the highest standards, and we trust the Fairtrade Mark, BAFTS and WFTO commitment to ensuring that is carried out.

While a lot of our products are only “ethically produced” this means that they are bought from producers and importers who have demonstrated, in our judgement, that they have sound social and environmental policies in keeping with WFTO and BAFTS criteria but are either too new or too small to belong to WFTO or BAFTS.

Our supplimentary range will generally have:

  • A specific environmental benefit,
  • An educational role promoting cultural awareness and poverty alleviation, or
  • A specific supportive role to the Fair Trade products (e.g. cushion fillers, candles).

We’re very happy to discuss the background of any of our products, please get in touch if you’d like to know more.


Some of our products that carry the Fairtrade Mark