From The Earth Awarded World Fair Trade Status

AMMAN, Jordan, Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, a company in Jordan has received certification from the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), an entity that monitors and recognizes businesses that create opportunities for disadvantaged people.

From The Earth, founded and operating in Amman since 2008, produces handmade crafts sold in Jordan, Europe, Canada and the USA.  All items are produced by local artisans and sold through 50 Amman retailers and on Amazon.com.

"We are grateful to be recognized for our efforts to alleviate poverty in this region by paying fair wages, treating each person with the utmost respect, and helping our employees and suppliers improve their quality of life," said Jonathan Hankin, From The Earth's founder and general manager.

From The Earth started as a producer of handmade greeting cards, but today has 15 Jordanian employees and a product line of 400 items.  Specialties are handmade olive wood products, such as jewelry, kitchen products, chopsticks, cheeseboards, figurines and other items.

"Being an outlet for artisans who have little or no opportunity to market their products is one way From The Earth benefits our Jordanian community," Hankin said.  "Many small producers do not have a network to sell their products at competitive prices, and we extend their reach from small villages to international markets."

"Our employees are given equal treatment in terms of salary, leadership, and promotion opportunities," he said.  "They are paid above the national minimum wage, work in a safe and healthy environment, and receive training in English and other subjects through our in-house university.  Our motto is: 'A Valuable Life Behind Each Product' and we see these lives every day."

From The Earth received notification of its status from Carola Reintjes, WFTO chief executive in Culemborg, The Netherlands.  Among the 10 principles of fair trade include:

• Creating opportunities for the economically disadvantaged;
• Transparency and accountability;
• Payment of a fair wage;
• No child labor or forced labor; and    
• Environmental sustainability.

"Our olive wood products are made from olive tree trimmings gleaned after the olive harvest," Hankin added.  "We are proud that this process contributes to the sustainability of Jordanian olive groves."

Products also are sold at the firm's showroom in Bayader Wadi El Seer in Amman.

For more information, visit www.ftehome.com

Contact: Abbey Saloiye
Amman: 06-585-7838 or 079-941-7700
USA: 218-206-2360

SOURCE From The Earth