Wildlife Works Announced as Africa’s First Carbon Neutral, Fair Trade Factory
First Fair Trade USA Collection with Threads 4 Thought
NEW YORK, July 16, 2015 /3BL Media/ — Wildlife Works has officially earned Fair Trade Factory certification from Fair Trade USA (FTUSA). This certification enables many different producers of a range of commodities to participate and compete in international markets in ways that are fair and equitable. In addition to meeting the rigorous Fair Trade standards--which cover social, environmental and economic criteria-- factory workers earn additional money with every Fair Trade purchase in the form of a Community Development Premium. They vote democratically on how to use these funds.
Wildlife Works is the world's leading REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) project development and management company with an effective approach to applying innovative market based solutions to the conservation of biodiversity. Every dollar spent on Wildlife Works products goes directly to job creation and community development in rural communities around the world.
“We are so proud to be Fair Trade Certified™,” says Daniel Munyao, production and quality control manager at the Wildlife Works EPZ factory. “Knowing that consumers choose to purchase Fair Trade Certified products motivates us to continue creating quality garments that help our rural community here grow, without having to resort to poaching or harmful harvesting.”
Wildlife Works will team up with Threads 4 Thought to debut the Carbon Neutral, Fair Trade Certified line. Threads 4 Thought is a fashion brand for men and women that helps to improve the planet through a sustainable lifestyle and a commitment to giving back. The company strongly believes in ethical manufacturing and works solely with factories that respect their employees and their communities.
“Threads 4 Thought is extremely proud that we have received the Fair Trade certification,” said Eric Fleet, co-founder of Threads 4 Thought. “We have strong beliefs in ethical manufacturing and are excited to partner with Fair Trade USA to continue to improve the lives of factory employees.”
In July 2015, Threads 4 Thought will release the first ever Wildlife Works Carbon Neutral, Fair Trade tees that protect wildlife and forests in Kenya. These tees will rank high as the most sustainable and ethical tees you can own. As a result of this first order, Threads 4 Thought will be contributing over $6,000 in Fair Trade Premiums directly to Wildlife Works factory workers. This collection is also made with Fair Trade Certified cotton jersey to cover the entire supply chain. You will be able to purchase them on their website, and at select Whole Foods stores nationwide.
About Threads 4 Thought
Threads 4 Thought is a fashion brand for men and women that helps to improve the planet through a sustainable lifestyle and a commitment to giving back. The company strongly believes in ethical manufacturing and works solely with factories that respect their employees and their communities. Threads 4 Thought had partnered with the International Rescue Committee (the IRC) and the IRC’s New Roots program. To learn more, visit www.threadsforthought.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
About Fair Trade USA
Fair Trade USA is a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable livelihoods for farmers, workers, and fishermen, protects fragile ecosystems, and builds strong, transparent supply chains through independent, third-party certification. Its trusted Fair Trade Certified™ label signifies that rigorous standards have been met in the production, trade and promotion of Fair Trade products from over 70 countries across the globe. Recognized as a leading social venture by the Clinton Global Initiative, the Skoll Foundation and Ashoka, Fair Trade USA also provides capacity-building programs at origin and educates consumers about the power of their purchase. Visit www.FairTradeCertified.org for more information.
About Wild Life Works
Wildlife Works is a unique private sector forest conservation company aiming to make a massive contribution to reducing global emissions while protecting some of the most important and highly threatened forests in the world. By engaging with and creating jobs in developing country forest communities on the ground, Wildlife Works directs these communities' transition away from forest destruction and towards sustainable economic development. Wildlife Works’ pilot project in Kenya houses Africa’s only carbon neutral, fair trade factory, which makes up 70 out of the 400+ local jobs there. These jobs provide sustainable, alternative livelihoods to poaching and harmful harvesting. Every purchase of a Wildlife Works product, whether it’s carbon credits or apparel, goes directly to protecting these forests communities and mitigating climate change.
