Questions we get a lot

We love talking to people about what we do. Of course many people have questions, and we aim to be as open and honest as we can. Here are some of our frequently asked questions... perhaps you have some more? If so, please get in touch. 

Q.     Why don’t you focus on climate change? Surely that’s a much bigger problem for the world’s poor?

A.     We couldn’t agree more. We feel that tackling global issues like climate change, social justice and economic inequality go hand in hand. We’ve spent the past seven years working at the front line of sustainable business. In launching Eighteen Rabbit, we’re not trying to play down the other problems that exist – we’re using the stories of our producers and their struggle for fairness in a global market to shine a light on one small piece of the bigger jigsaw of a sustainable future.

Q.     Why don’t you demand that all producers are Fairtrade™ certified?

A.     We admire and respect all suppliers who go through the process of Fairtrade™ certification, but for us it is not the be all and end all. We want to operate transparently with our suppliers to ensure they are actually working fairly, not just that they have a fancy certificate on the wall. There are even some Fairtrade™ products we wouldn’t sell – for example you’re unlikely to see any KitKats in Eighteen Rabbit. Ask us why!

Q.     Isn’t it better just to consume less, full stop?

A.     It would be a lot better if a lot of things happened in the fragile world we call home. If people contributed less to climate change caused by CO2 emissions by limiting flights, car trips and energy use. If governments around the world lived up to their promises and dropped third world debt. If prisoners of conscience and victims of political intimidation and sex trafficking could be freed. The trouble is we don’t live in a perfect world, and while we’re fighting to get there, we think people will still want nice things. We want to make sure that when they buy them they can be sure that they are part of the solution, not adding to the problem.