Fair Trade Practices
Fair Trade Principles and Mayan Connection Practices
Fair Trade is a system of exchange which honors producers, communities, consumers and the environment. Fair Trade is about empowering marginalized producers in the poorest parts of the world to pull them out of poverty. It's not only about paying a fair price for a product, it's about creating a just marketplace where farmers and artisans have an equal foot in both - the process and the profit.
A Fair Price
Artisans receive a guaranteed minimum price for their product,
which allows for a living wage in their community.
Mayan Connection pays fair compensation for our artisans´ work. We have determined our fair trade wage by discussing it directly with our artisans, as well as taking into account the national minimum wage, standard of living, and average incomes in the community.
Direct Trade
Products are purchased directly from the producer, eliminating unnecessary middlemen who raise the price for consumers and take away from the producers' profits.
Mayan Connection buys directly from our artisans. By keeping a tight chain of production, Mayan Connection is able to pay all participants in this chain a higher percentage. Labor Rights
Workers are entitled to safe working conditions, freedom of association and
reasonable working hours. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited.
Mayan Connection allows artisans to work from their homes which ensures time for their families and other daily needs. Working from home allows our artisans to enjoy a comfortable and safe work environment.
Lasting Relationships
Businesses must engage in creating a long-lasting buying relationship with producers.
Mayan Connection has a commitment to our artisans. Several have been working with the project since the beginning. We place a strong value on creating long-term and stable relationships with our artisans. A member of Mayan Connection is constantly present in Guatemala to continue developing and improving our working partnerships.
Reinvesting in the Local Economy
Producers and buyers engage in conscientious business practices.
Mayan Connection buys local. Our textiles and beading materials are purchased from local markets and artisan shops to ensure that our money stays in the community and supports neighboring small businesses.
Environmental Standards
Harmful chemicals and practices that result in environmental degradation are prohibited.
Mayan Connection recycles and reuses. Most of the textiles used in our skirts and bags come from recycled materials and huipiles (indigenous Mayan blouses). Our carbon footprint is not only lowered by the use of recycled materials, but also in our shipping process. Instead of shipping merchandise overseas in individual cartons or boxes, Mayan Connection chooses to use fiber bags to cut down on shipping waste. When shipping products to our websales customers, we often reuse boxes and packaging. Also, Mayan Connection uses Native Energy to offset our carbon footprint.
Consumer Education
As a member of Green America's Green Business Network, we uphold Green America's charge to "use business as a tool for social change". During retail events we make sure to educate our buyers on Fair Trade and the positive impact it has on the lives of our artisans.
