About Us
Our History
We started Ethical Trade Co. in 2015 after traveling to India & Nepal and witnessing first-hand the exploitation that people in South Asia experienced. While there, we also met companies who offered ethical and just employment opportunities to the people in their communities to prevent further injustice. Inspired by the work they were doing, we created a marketplace for the products they were making so they could offer ethical employment to even more people.
For the past 10 years, we’ve been proud to help fair-trade brands from all over the world expand their reach and connect with buyers in the U.S. In that time, we’ve provided $250,000 in revenue to our fair-trade partners, and we’ve worked with more than 50 different artisan groups, co-ops, and partners across 50 different nations.
In the next 10 years, we’re determined to do even more. With a focused strategy and new sponsorship opportunities, we aim to triple our impact and shine a brighter light on businesses that normalize fair labor practices and make positive changes in communities everywhere.
What Drives Us
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Our Mission Our mission is to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to work in a safe and ethical environment. We believe that conscious consumerism is a powerful tool for change, and we are committed to providing our customers with high-quality, ethically-sourced products that they can feel good about buying |
Our Values Fairness: We believe everyone deserves a fair wage and safe working conditions. Transparency: We are committed to being transparent about our supply chain and our social impact. Sustainability: We believe in creating a sustainable market for ethical goods. Empowerment: We believe in empowering people who are at risk of exploitation to create a better future for themselves and their families. |
Our Impact Since 2015, we have: Partnered with more than 50 artisan groups, co-ops, and fair-trade brands across 50 countries. Generated $250,000 in overseas trade to support these artisan groups & fair-trade partners. Served as the main U.S. distribution & retail center for Level Ground Coffee. |
Why This Work Matters
Labor exploitation and modern slavery is an ongoing humanitarian crisis, affecting millions of people worldwide. This form of exploitation isn't confined to a particular industry or region—it happens in nearly every country around the globe. Sadly, even children aren't spared from this injustice, with millions forced into hazardous labor, depriving them of their childhood and education.
Despite tireless efforts, this problem persists, often fueled by extreme poverty and a lack of ethical job opportunities. Refugees, in particular, face additional challenges, such as language barriers, making it harder for them to secure fair and ethical employment. However, by supporting businesses who pay living or thriving wages and work with refugees, we can help create sustainable economies that reduce the number of people who experience labor exploitation and modern slavery.
Most of our partners are making their greatest impact in countries affected by conflict, government instability, or the aftermath of colonization, such as Southeast Asia, central Africa, and South America.
Nevertheless, labor exploitation is a global issue, and we're always eager to collaborate with new fair-trade companies and brands from around the world who share our commitment to ethical practices and social justice. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those impacted by exploitation, wherever they may be.