Cheppu Himal pays a living wage, and provides a safe and healthy working environment to the artisans, and opportunities for advancement for the artisans and their families. Whenever possible, we select products which are recycled, recyclable or are made from renewable resources since deforestation has reached epidemic proportions in Nepal. Cheppu Himal continues to work directly with Nepali artisans on designs to make the products marketable in the West while utilizing traditional craft methods. We import new products based on traditional crafts as well as Nepali works with indigenous designs which have timeless and borderless appeal. Cheppu Himal adheres to all of the fair trade practices listed below. Cheppu’s workshop operates on the principles of fair trade. Our workers voluntarily participate in a savings/retirement program where their funds are matched by Cheppu. Fair trade financial programs such as this are unfortunately rare in Nepal, especially in the garment and handicraft sectors. We also donate a portion of our proceeds to a school on the grounds of the workshop. Scholarships are also provided for Nepali children. Since our workshop began production, the school has grown in size from 70 to 200 students. By the time the goods we offer reach our customers in the United States, they have made a very long journey. Cheppu Himal strives to insure the integrity of this journey, from raw materials, to workshop, to you. As an alternative to sweatshop production, our company generates income for hundreds of Nepali artisans and their families. Fair Trade means an equitable and fair partnership between marketers in North America and producers worldwide.
(based on the criteria developed by Global Exchange, www.globalexchange.org)
International trade has been an historical link between peoples of the world. It can be used merely to increase corporate profits, or to promote intercultural understanding, grassroots development and economic justice. Together we can create more awareness of international consumer power and the need to make responsible consumer choices through supporting the sustainable alternative of Fair Trade. In past years we witnessed a huge increase in the number of consumers demanding products made without sweatshop labor. But Fair Trade isn't just about being Sweat-Free; it sets a high standard for what is possible in international trade.
Paying a fair wage in the local context Offering employees opportunities for advancement Providing equal employment opportunities for all people Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices Being open to public accountability Building long-term trade relationships Providing healthy and safe working conditions within the local context Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible Ensuring that there is no abuse of child labor (Cheppu satisfies these criteria and more!!)
Values and preserves traditonal cultures Generates fair income for thousands of artisans around the world Educates consumers about trade and cultures Promotes people-to-people ties among artisans, traders, and consumers Gender equity: 70% of craft artisans are women Provides resources for education, health care, and community development Promotes environmental stewardship Promotes democratic participation in cooperative group structures Ensures that artistic technologies in indigenous cultures are passed on to the next generations
Make a commitment to Fair Trade. Challenge yourself to shift a percentage of the money you spend every month on gifts, housewares, toys, and coffee to Fair Trade products. This will make a big difference in the lives of artisans and farmers worldwide. Ask for fairly traded crafts and coffee where you shop. Drop a note in the suggestion box at your local grocery or import store. Let businesses that do carry fairly traded products know that you appreciate their support of fair trade.
Encourage your community organization or workplace to purchase Fair Trade products for fundraisers, employee rewards, and organizational gifts. Serve Fair Trade coffee at coffee hour or other events. Share Fair Trade products with your friends and neighbors. Let them know about the difference that their purchasing choices make in the lives of crafts producers and farming communities in the Third World.