Michael von der Heide becomes Label STEP ambassador! The singer is taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 2010. For Label STEP he presents 12 good reasons for fair carpet trade.

Michael von der Heide impresses by his musical versatility, his beguiling charm and waspish humour. The singer stands out since almost 15 years and eight records in French, German, Swiss German, English or Italian. He has a modern sound which draws on pop, jazz, folk and rock, and melds with traditional French chanson. In 2010, he represents Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest (May 25th to 29th 2010 in Oslo, Norway) with his song „Il pleut de l’or“ („it's raining gold“).

Michael von der Heide has an exceptional sense for people and the human conditions – his lyrics and live performances create images and memories in the minds of the listeners and the charming singer inevitably finds the right tone and mood for each piece of music and audience. Thus, it is not astonishing that Michael von der Heide took over his „office“ as Label STEP ambassador with enthusiasm: „Fair trade should actually be self-evident. As an artist the carpet weavers are especially close to me. They produce pieces of art work of amazing beauty and deserve our respect“, as Michael von der Heide explains his commitment for Label STEP.

While Label STEP is looking forward to the Eurovision Song Contest and wishes „il pleut de l’or“ the highest possible score of „twelve points“, Michael von der Heide presents twelve good reasons for fair carpet trade:

The traders who carry the label STEP commit themselves to provide good terms of employment and living conditions in the production plants of their handmade carpets. Safe and hygienic work places, sufficient lighting, space conditions and ventilation, sanitary facilities and the access to drinking water and medical care, but also the internationally approved principles of the ILO (International Labour Organization) are part of it: Voluntary engagement, no discrimination and freedom of organization. more...

Label STEP and its licensees accept no abusive child labour. Abusive child labour is mostly an expression of abject poverty. Fair trade is an important instrument for the fight against poverty. If adults earn enough to create a sure living basis for their families, the children do not have to work and can go to school instead. The future prospects of the children of carpet workers are a core issue for Label STEP. Therefore, together with licensees and producers, label STEP conducts school projects and education projects for these children and teenagers. more...

Label STEP is the only organization which maintains offices in all important carpet producing countries and which regularly visits and inspects all production plants of its licensees. About every inspection visit a detailed report is written which may contain measures for the improvement of the situation if necessary. Not only the production plants are inspected, the traders' information on supply chains are also regularly checked for correctness and completeness by independent organizations. more...

Label STEP's philosophy is based on the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility. Fair terms of employment, ecosensitive production methods and economic sustainability are the future of the carpet industry. Only with label STEP, the standards of fair trade apply to the entire product range of handmade carpets of a licensee. Social responsibility is not only a responsibility of the enterprises in the import countries. The companies in the production regions should also make their contribution to a lasting carpet industry. Label STEP supports them with this.
Project example: carpet enterprises in Nepal and Pakistan recognize their social responsibility

Label STEP carries out development projects as complementary measures for the improvement of the terms of employment as well. For example, in the remote villages of the so-called Indian carpet belt: Label STEP organizes medical care by means of moving medical practices together with local project partners since 11 years. Thus, more than 140'000 people were able to be treated up to this day.
Project example: Medical practice on wheels

School and education pave the way for a good future. Therefore, Label STEP maintains numerous projects of education and further education for carpet workers and their families in different production regions. Children are enabled to receive a good basic school education, youngsters are supported on their way to secondary school and adults profit from alphabetization courses.
Project examples:
Nepal – a school for 7'000 children in the carpet district
India – reading from the rickshaw library

Label STEP carries out projects which promote the dialogue between all stakeholders – all parties involved – of the trade chain and thus improve the situation the workers as well as contribute to the sustainability of the industry. The aims of the industry dialogue are the fair distribution of the incomes, the support of the consciousness for social and ecological subjects along the trade chain as well as the industry wide discussion and search for solutions with regards to subjects like wages, protection of the environment, minimum prices etc.
More on the Label STEP dialogue projects

The production of handmade carpets is the basis of existence to millions of people. In addition, carpet weaving has been a traditional artistic craft work for thousands of years and belongs to the cultural heritage of numerous peoples.
With the purchase of a handmade carpet you not only furnish your own home elegantly, you also make a contribution to the preservation of a cultural asset!

You can find a fair carpet dealer close to you here