AltTrade

What is Alternative Trade?

Alternative trade means fair trade -- it's as simple as that.

To go a little bit further, when an African basket weaver sets his or her price for his or her baskets, the alternative trader does not use his or her superior economic position to force a reduction in price. In that way, he or she trades with the artisan as an equal -- no exploitation is involved in this type of business relationship. The artisan is accorded the dignity due an equal.

Through alternative trade, fair prices paid directly to artisans from developing nations (Africa, The Caribbean, Asia, The South Pacific, South and Central America), village-based development is encouraged which means access to clean water, health care, and education for the local population. In addition, alternative trade fosters global awareness as consumers are informed about the peoples and cultureswho craft the exquisite items that they purchase.

The consumer at an alternative trade store can shopwith confidence, knowing that his or her purchase has not impoverished, but rather enriched the lifestyle of a village artisan overseas.

Cadeaux du Monde, Newport, Rhode Island's only alternative trade folk art gallery is located at 26 Mary Street.

Alternative trade means fair trade -- it's as simple as that. To go a little bit further, when an African basket weaver sets his or her price for his or her baskets, the alternative trader does not use his or her superior economic position to force a reduction in price. In that way, he or she trades with the artisan as an equal -- no exploitation is involved in this type of business relationship. The artisan is accorded the dignity due an equal.
Through alternative trade, fair prices paid directly to artisans from developing nations (Africa, The Caribbean, Asia, The South Pacific, South and Central America), village-based development is encouraged which means access to clean water, health care, and education for the local population. In addition, alternative trade fosters global awareness as consumers are informed about the peoples and cultureswho craft the exquisite items that they purchase.
The consumer at an alternative trade store can shopwith confidence, knowing that his or her purchase has not impoverished, but rather enriched the lifestyle of a village artisan overseas.
Cadeaux du Monde, Newport, Rhode Island's only alternative trade folk art gallery is located at 26 Mary Street.