The Handmade.com Ethical Pledge

Right now, we are all helping to shape the future of handmade.

Welcome.

This is a community built on trust and the highest ethical principles. All sellers must commit to the Handmade.com Ethical Pledge to ensure that the items they list meet our definitions of handmade by category and that their practices conform to the highest ethical standards.

Transcript of the Handmade.com Ethical Pledge

Made by hand. I pledge that every product I list on Handmade.com meets Handmade.com’s definitions of handmade by category. I understand that credible reports of violations will result in Handmade.com suspending sales of relevant products for review and potential suspension of my store. I understand that a confirmed violation may result in the immediate removal of my products and store from Handmade.com.

Keep it ethical. I pledge that I, and my place of business, and any artists, artisans, or artisan groups that I represent, commit to adhering to the highest ethical standards, including honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, and respect for the unique intrinsic value of all collaborators, sellers, shoppers, and staff at Handmade.com.

Uphold fair labor principles. Based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as defined by the United Nations, and the International Labor Organization’s standards, I pledge to steadfastly uphold core values such as no forced labor, no child labor, to allow for freedom of association, and I pledge to provide wages, benefits, and working hours in compliance with all applicable national laws and regulations in the region where my listings are made and where I do business.

Ensure safe working conditions. I pledge that at my place of business and that of any artists, artisans, or artisan groups I represent, safe and healthy working conditions will be ensured for all, and that compliance with all applicable local environmental, safety and health regulations will likewise be guaranteed.

Prohibit harassment and abuse. I pledge that at my place of business and that of any artists, artisans and artisan groups I represent, everyone will be treated with respect and dignity, and no one will be subject to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse.

Practice nondiscrimination. I pledge that at my place of business and that of any artists, artisans, or artisan groups I represent, no discrimination will occur in any aspect of hiring, salary, benefits, advancement, discipline, termination or retirement, for any reason including gender, color, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, nationality, political opinion or political affiliation, union involvement, or social or ethnic origin.

Take environmental responsibility. I pledge that my place of business and that of any artists, artisans, or artisan groups I represent will operate in a manner that is protective of the environment. I further pledge to minimize our carbon footprint and abide by environmentally supportive, sustainable practices, including sustainable raw materials choices and production methods.

Choose ethical materials. I pledge that my place of business and that of any artists, artisans, or artisan groups I represent will practice mindful material selection, prioritizing raw materials with minimal environmental impact while also adhering to ethical sourcing choices. I further pledge that we will diligently reduce our carbon footprint by including energy-efficient processes and equipment, and will take advantage of sunlight when possible, unplug electronic devices when not in use, and promote the use of shared transport and/or environmentally-friendly transportation options.

Minimize waste. I pledge that my place of business and that of any artists, artisans, or artisan groups I represent will minimize packaging and shipping waste, choosing biodegradable or recyclable options while minimizing or eliminating any unnecessary packaging. I further pledge that I will regularly review and enhance our environmental practices, and will embrace environmental innovation while staying abreast of the most sustainable options.

Be ethically upstanding. I pledge to honor the highest ethical standards of handmade and fair trade. I further pledge to participate as an upstanding member of the Handmade.com seller community, treating others with kindness and respect.

There’s no combination of words that creates harmonious magic. In the end, it comes down to our actions and our choices, and remembering to be kind to one another. Here, accountability matters.

The road ahead is filled with tremendous people, gorgeous discoveries, and unexpected delights.

By signing the Pledge, artists, artisans, and their representatives commit to uphold all aspects of the Handmade.com Ethical Pledge.

Would you like to open your own Handmade.com storefront? We invite you to apply here now.