Sustainable Indoor Market Trader's Charter
The Green Market - Indoor Market Trader’s Charter
Introduction
Locky’s Wonder Emporium CLG ("LWE CLG") is a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Galway, committed to promoting sustainable living practices and creating a vibrant, community-driven space for sustainability initiatives. As part of this mission, we host an indoor market for sustainable traders who share our vision for a greener and more socially responsible future.
This Market Charter sets out the values, principles, and expectations that guide the operation of the market and the behaviour of our traders. All traders at the market are expected to uphold these values, ensuring that the market remains a space where sustainability, ethics, and community thrive. All traders also agree to abide by the terms of the market’s ‘Customer Charter’ as well.
1. Commitment to Sustainability
LWE CLG is dedicated to promoting environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Traders at the market must demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability in all aspects of their business.
This includes:
- Products and Materials: offering products that are environmentally friendly, ethically sourced, and/or upcycled. Where possible, products should be made from natural, biodegradable, or recycled materials.
- Packaging: Minimising the use of single-use plastics and packaging. Traders must endeavour to use eco-friendly packaging or to offer products in bulk or refillable containers.
- Local and Fair Trade: Prioritising locally sourced, fair-trade, or ethically produced goods, supporting local economies and reducing carbon footprints.
- Waste Reduction: Actively working to reduce waste, both at the market and in the production or supply chain of goods sold. This includes offering compostable, recyclable, or reusable options.
2. Social Responsibility and Community Engagement
As part of our mission to build a sustainable community, we encourage our traders to engage in practices that benefit both the local community and broader society. Traders are expected to:
- Support Local Communities: Collaborate with local artisans, farmers, and producers to promote regional sustainability and strengthen community ties.
- Fair Employment Practices: Uphold fair wages and ethical working conditions for any employees or suppliers, ensuring transparency and respect for human rights.
- Community Engagement: Actively participate in market events, workshops, or educational initiatives that promote sustainability and social justice within the community.
- Inclusive Practices: Ensure that their products and services are accessible and inclusive to all members of the community, regardless of background or economic status.
3. Environmental Stewardship
In alignment with our core values, LWE CLG is committed to reducing the environmental impact of the market.
Traders are expected to:
- Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient lighting and equipment where possible and minimise overall energy consumption.
- Waste Management: Adopt practices for proper waste segregation and disposal, promoting recycling and composting of their waste; Traders must take their waste away each day and dispose of it responsibly.
- Transport: where possible, encourage sustainable transport methods for deliveries and personal travel, such as cycling, walking, or using public transport. Where possible, traders should reduce the carbon footprint of transportation by using local suppliers.
4. Ethical Business Practices
LWE CLG expects all traders to operate with the highest standards of integrity and ethics. This includes:
- Transparency: Providing clear and honest information about products, sourcing, and business practices to customers.
- Respect for Intellectual Property: Ensuring that all products sold are original, legally produced, and do not infringe upon intellectual property rights.
- Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to all local, national, and international laws relating to the sale of goods, health and safety standards, food regulations (where applicable), and business practices.
5. Market Operations and Responsibilities
To ensure the smooth operation of the market and create a respectful environment for all, traders must:
- Respect the Market Space: Maintain a clean, organised, and attractive stall that is consistent with the ethos of the market. This includes keeping the stall tidy and complying with any market-wide cleaning or maintenance policies.
- Punctuality: Commit to attending the market during agreed hours and maintaining a consistent presence.
- Cooperation: Foster a sense of cooperation and respect between traders, LWE CLG staff, and customers. A positive and supportive attitude is essential for creating a thriving community atmosphere.
6. Marketing and Promotions
Traders are encouraged to actively participate in the market’s promotional efforts.
This may include:
- Collaborative Marketing: Supporting the collective promotion of the market by sharing events, news, and initiatives via social media, newsletters, or other platforms.
- Ethical Advertising: Ensuring that any marketing or advertising is consistent with the values of LWE CLG and promotes sustainability and ethical business practices.
7. Health, Safety, and Compliance
Traders are expected to adhere to all relevant health, safety, and legal requirements, including:
- Product Safety: Ensuring that all products sold are safe for use and comply with health and safety standards.
- Insurance: Maintaining appropriate insurance, including public liability insurance, to cover risks associated with selling products at the market.
- Food Safety (where applicable): If selling food or drink, traders must comply with all relevant food safety regulations, including proper food handling, hygiene, and labelling.
8. Accountability and Monitoring
LWE CLG is committed to ensuring that the market remains a space where sustainable and ethical practices are prioritised.
Traders agree to:
- Participate in Reviews: Periodic reviews of sustainability practices will be conducted to ensure that traders are meeting the expectations outlined in this Charter. Traders are expected to participate in these reviews and make improvements as necessary.
- Feedback Mechanism: Traders are encouraged to provide feedback to LWE CLG to help improve the market and its sustainability initiatives.
9. Commitment to the Future
By signing the market stall rental agreement above the Trader understands that they are also signing this Charter, traders agree to uphold the values and principles of sustainability, community, and ethical business practice, contributing to the long-term success and growth of Locky’s Wonder Emporium CLG’s Market and the wider community.
Conclusion
The Locky’s Wonder Emporium CLG Market is a space for innovative, ethical, and sustainable businesses. By committing to this Market Charter, traders help to create a more sustainable future and foster a thriving community hub that is grounded in shared values and responsibility.