At Tara Treasures, Corporate Social Responsibility is the foundation of our business ethos. We are dedicated to creating products that not only delight our customers but also make a positive impact on the world. Our commitment to CSR is reflected in our sustainable practices, ethical sourcing, and community empowerment initiatives.

1. Ethical Sourcing and Fair Trade Practices

• We are proud to be a Fair Trade Certified™ brand, ensuring our products are handmade according to Fair Trade principles.
  
• Our felt toys are handcrafted by skilled women artisans in Nepal, providing them with fair wages and safe working conditions.
  
• This practice supports the local economy and empowers these women by providing them with financial independence and improved living standards.
  

2. Sustainable Production

• Our products are made from natural wool, which is biodegradable and renewable.
• We use azo-free dyes and processes that minimize environmental impact.
• Our low-impact felting method uses natural wool, non-toxic dyes, and minimal water, preserving both culture and the environment.
  
  

3. Community Empowerment

• We support over 350 Nepalese women artisans through fair trade employment, many of whom are mothers who can now work flexibly from home or local community hubs.
  
• This has significantly increased household income levels by 15% and improved their access to education, healthcare, and long-term financial stability.
  
• In Australia, our team expanded by 43% YoY, now employing 16 people, including 4 mothers in school-hour roles, promoting work-life balance.
  
  

4. Environmental Responsibility

• We have replaced 85% of plastic packaging with recyclable or compostable alternatives.
• At our 300sqm Braeside warehouse, where 16 team members operate, we've embedded sustainability into our daily operations:
• Energy Efficiency: Transitioned to 100% LED lighting and installed motion sensors, reducing electricity consumption.
• Employee Engagement: Conducted regular sustainability training sessions, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among staff.
  
  

5. Education and Advocacy

• We communicate our mission through transparent storytelling, trade fairs, and partnerships with purpose-driven retailers.
• Our felt toys are now used in hundreds of early learning centres across Australia, recognised for their sensory benefits and educational value.
• Our influence extends through strategic partnerships with esteemed organisations such as Parks Victoria, childcare and early learning centres, and cultural institutions like Raising Literacy Australia. We are also proud to work alongside Connecting the Dots through Play, integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into everyday practice. Through these collaborations, Tara Treasures continues to weave its impact into the fabric of early childhood education, championing conscious play and purposeful learning.
• Collaborations with beloved Australian authors such as Frane Lessac and Sarah Allen, alongside licensing partnerships with May Gibbs, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Gruffalo, have amplified our reach.
  
  

6. Continuous Improvement
We are committed to continuous improvement in our CSR initiatives, regularly reviewing and updating our practices to ensure they align with our values and the needs of our stakeholders.