Fair trade? Huh?

Fair trade. Independent. Socially responsible.

What's the meaning of it all? It's easy to toss around some catchphrases, but do they matter?

At ghia, we think they do. We hope to provide our customers with a shopping experience that supports and sustains our community and our planet. Here's a quick guide to what some of these terms mean to us.

Independent: These products aren't designed by corporations. They are designed and crafted by creative types trying to make a living through art. Examples at shopghia.com include Freckle Dog and StarCat Designs.

Fair trade: Organizations that are "fair trade" pay workers and artisans fair wages for their work and ensure proper working conditions (no sweatshops, no child labor, etc.). These organizations also work with the communities involved to create sustainable economies. For more info, check out fairtradefederation.org. An example from shopghia.com is the World Finds brand.

Socially responsible: These organizations often are committed to fair wages and benefits for workers, environmentally friendly products, and/or making a difference in their communities. Examples from shopghia.com include Thistle Farms and American Apparel.

No, we probably aren't going to change the world, but we can try!.
Happy shopping!