Now more than ever, brands are using greenwashing buzzwords such as "Fair Trade," "ethical," "sustainable" and "organic."

This is why it is very important, as a conscious consumer, to look out for certified practices, such as World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), Build a Nest, B Corp Certified, Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) or SMETA audit.

Here at Tribal Textiles, we are audited and certified by Build A Nest - www.buildanest.org

Our small business is audited annually by Nest, a program launched at the UN.

Nest partners with brands like West Elm, Pottery Barn, and Patagonia to implement Ethical Handcraft programming in supply chains.

This program is notable for its cultural sensitivity, risk mitigation, and focus on workers' rights, safety, child labor protection, fair compensation, transparency, and environmental care.

Together with top social compliance and labor rights leaders, Nest has developed over 100 standards for evaluating ethical handcraft production, particularly in informal workshops and home-based artisan settings. Their assessment required us to demonstrate:

• Fair wages and their calculation/payment methods
• No child labor
• Worker rights, including breaks, unionization, and sick leave
• Anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies
• Workplace safety, including fire extinguishers, first-aid stations, and emergency exits
• Strong environmental stewardship

What makes this certification so meaningful is that it does not simply rely on records and written policies.

Everything is reviewed and verified on-site. Nest visit our workshop, check wage and production records, conduct interviews with our employees and review our annual training in First Aid, Emergency Procedures, and the use of safety equipment.

We are the first brand in Zambia to successfully pass their tough assessment!

Your purchases are not only handcrafted but also ethically handcrafted.