John Charrier, founder of Charrier Global Imports, today announced the launch of the Know Your Source Personal Pledge, a public initiative designed to help individuals become more intentional about the products they use and the stories behind them.
The pledge reflects lessons Charrier has learned throughout his career working with producers, artisans, cooperatives, and family businesses across Europe, Africa, and South America.
The initiative is built around several beliefs that have guided his work for years.
“Even when I was young, I was more interested in the story than the sale.”
“They didn’t have a quality problem. They had an access problem.”
“If I couldn’t maintain a direct connection with a supplier, I wasn’t interested in adding another one.”
“You can solve problems much faster when both sides understand the situation clearly.”
“I never wanted to build something loud. I wanted to build something reliable.”
According to Charrier, these ideas are becoming increasingly important as consumers seek greater transparency and stronger connections to the products they buy.
Why This Matters Now
Recent research highlights growing interest in product transparency and sourcing awareness:
76% of consumers say they are more likely to buy from companies that treat workers fairly (PwC).
57% of consumers are willing to change purchasing habits based on environmental and sourcing concerns (IBM).
Products marketed with sustainability claims have grown 2.7 times faster than competing products (Nielsen).
Research shows supply chain disruptions can cost companies nearly 45% of one year’s profits over a decade (McKinsey).
More than 70% of consumers say they want greater transparency about how products are made and sourced.
The Know Your Source Personal Pledge
As part of the pledge, Charrier is committing to seven specific behaviors:
Personally learn the origin of at least one product he uses each week.
Continue visiting suppliers and producers whenever possible rather than relying solely on reports.
Ask more questions before making purchasing decisions.
Prioritize long-term relationships over short-term convenience.
Support producers who demonstrate consistency and accountability.
Share stories about the people behind products whenever possible.
Spend more time understanding production challenges before forming conclusions.
Do-It-Yourself Toolkit
Anyone can participate in the pledge using the following actions:
Check where one product in your home was made.
Learn the name of a producer, maker, or company behind something you use regularly.
Ask a local retailer where one product comes from.
Use an item you already own instead of buying a replacement.
Research the journey of one everyday product.
Spend five minutes reading about how a favorite food is produced.
Talk with a local business owner about sourcing.
Keep a simple notebook of products that surprise you.
Share one sourcing story with a friend or family member.
Pause before making an impulse purchase and ask where it came from.
30-Day Progress Tracker
Participants can use this simple tracker:
Week 1: Awareness
Learn the origin of three products.
Record one new fact each day.
Week 2: Curiosity
Ask five sourcing-related questions.
Speak with at least one local business owner.
Week 3: Connection
Learn about three producers or makers.
Share one story with someone else.
Week 4: Reflection
Identify habits that changed.
Write down lessons learned.
Choose one new habit to continue.
Share Your Progress
Participants are encouraged to share their experiences using prompts such as:
“Today I learned where this product comes from…”
“One sourcing story that surprised me was…”
“This week I became more aware of…”
Those who prefer privacy can keep a journal or notebook instead of posting publicly.
Call to Action
John Charrier invites individuals, families, students, and business owners to take the Know Your Source Personal Pledge, complete the toolkit activities, and share what they learn with others.
Participants can start today by choosing one product in their home and learning the story behind it.
Small actions can lead to greater awareness, stronger connections, and more thoughtful decisions.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About John Charrier
John Charrier is a Montreal-based entrepreneur and founder of Charrier Global Imports. Since 2012, he has worked with producers and artisans across Europe, Africa, and South America, helping connect specialty foods, handcrafted goods, textiles, and wellness products with customers across North America. His work focuses on relationship-building, ethical sourcing, transparency, and long-term partnership development.
Contact:
[email protected]
Media ContactCompany Name: John Charrier MontrealContact Person: John Charrier MontrealEmail: Send EmailCountry: United StatesWebsite: jonathancharriermontreal.com
