Commerce for the Greater Good: Introducing the Alliance for Ethical Economic Development (AEED)
We believe that art is intrinsically tied to culture.
It has the power to instill values, expand beliefs, and translate experiences across time and geographical distance.
Even the most beautiful of art can come at a serious cost, however, and much of that which we enjoy ends up coming at the hidden cost of child labor, poor working conditions and unfair trade practices that inhumanely underpay creators - leaving them in deep poverty.
To do our part in combating these issues, we are excited to announce the launch of the Alliance for Ethical Economic Development. You can call us AEED for short, which is pronounced just like “aid”. We are a registered nonprofit organization that works to bolster and create Fair Trade economic opportunities for artists and craftspeople, focusing primarily on developing countries and communities.
Entering the e-commerce world with a bang, AEED is already directly supporting skilled artists and craftspeople, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses in 32 countries around the world and 17 cities within the United States.
How We Work
We have an online shop that carries high-quality items that we have handpicked from artists and craftspeople around the world. Every item we feature within our curated collections is crafted, woven, welded, or blown by hand. We are confident that you will be as proud of the impeccable quality that you find in our shop items as we are.
Anything you buy from our shop directly supports our artists. As a nonprofit organization you can also choose to donate directly to AEED to become a partner in expanding our mission and impact. Donations and proceeds are used to create grants and loans to invest in financing future artist communities.
We only work with artists and organizations that practice Fair Trade principles, which include:
No child labor or forced labor
Fair pay for work - giving people a way out of poverty and poor conditions
Provides good, safe working conditions
No discrimination for race, gender or sexuality
Provides opportunities for disadvantaged producers
Respects the environment
What Inspired AEED?
Recent estimates for global poverty indicate that 736 million people live on less than $1.90 a day, and through Fair Trade Practices we can both legitimately and drastically change people’s lives for the better.
Through AEED we have created a unique nexus point in the nonprofit sector that fuses elevated design with exceptional social impact. Everyone on our board of directors has worked or is still working in the corporate world with some of the biggest and brightest brand names across retail, e-commerce, tech and education. AEED is our way of giving back, celebrating culture and trying to make a positive impact in the world.
AEED is also one of the few Fair Trade shops that comprehensively supports artists beyond jewelry, clothing and housewares. Our shop features everything from organic handmade children’s toys to culinary kits, teas and yes, we do still carry stunning home decor and jewelry as well. We hope that you will take a look at our store and join us in positively impacting vulnerable people around the world.
Ways to Shop
Shop our currently featured collections of:
Ethical Jewelry Lines that are restoring hope to female victims of human trafficking throughout Asia.
Stoneware Ceramics that are creating ethical working opportunities in Vietnam.
Hand Crafted Terrariums that upcycle glass from dilapidated and deconstructed buildings in Detroit, Michigan.
Raise them Kind collection of children’s items that are all ethically produced. Our collection for the kiddos includes organic handmade dolls and rattles, handwoven blankets, mommy and me bracelet sets, stuffed animals made from the softest fibers, and more.
Coffee Roasts that feature a full range of ethically sourced roasts and flavors, including a very special Black and female owned line that works exclusively with women coffee producers from around the world.
Organic Teas that are working to reinvent farming practices in Kenya so that locals are equitable partners in their life’s work.
Shop by category:
Visit our website to find more information about AEED’s Global Footprint and Fair Trade Principles.