JUST TRADE
Look for the label that means you’re making a difference.
"Poverty is the worst form of violence." -Mohandas K. Gandhi
How we shop, and what products we choose to purchase, has a direct global impact on our human family. Awareness is starting to emerge about an issue closely linked to these ideas, Fair Trade. The conscious consumer not only needs to be examining labels for safe ingredients, but also looking to see if the hands behind the products were treated with respect and given a fair wage. They must realize that what they buy can have a direct impact on a person on the other side of the world.
What is Fair Trade? It’s about making sure that the people who grow or make the things we buy get a fair price for what they do. Fair Trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to end global poverty and promote sustainability in developing countries. The movement’s goal is to make sure the workers of the product receive fair payment, fair treatment and fair opportunities. In developing countries, there are sweatshops owned by profit-driven foreign companies who often disregard the needs of their employees. Fair Trade aims to end these injustices, and create opportunities for these workers.
People in developed countries, such as the United Stated, have to make Fair Trade part of their vocabulary. It sounds relativity simple, but I have found, just among my social circle, it can be seen as difficult, as it forces them to think about the social and global impact of each product they purchase. As Americans, we are driven by supply and demand. The more the consumer buys, the more mainstream stores will start carrying Fair Trade items. We have the power to force corporations to adopt socially responsible business practices. Consumers have the power to tell corporations and the conventional trade folks that they don’t think someone has to lose their dignity, prospects for a good life, or the environment, to comply with greed.
I have read articles by traditional trade executives using scare tactics to claim that Fair Trade hinders competition. They claim we live in a world where there are “winners and losers”. This is a very self-centered way of thinking. Its time we start awakening our hearts and minds, and see that Fair Trade is a step to healing wounds, and creating a more balanced and harmonious future. Its time the consumer starts to shop with both eyes open, and realize what we buy can have a direct impact on people’s lives all over the world.
How do I know if a product is Fair Trade?
Look at the label to see if it has the “Fair Trade Certified” mark. This means the product has met standards set by the Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International (FLO). FLO was created in 1997 and ensures products sold with the Fair Trade label meet Fair Trade standards.
Are Fair Trade products more expensive than conventional products?
They can be, but you can be assured that you’re buying the products from a farmer versus a factory. You are also putting a human face on the product, which is part of the necessary shift in the global market. It sends a message to big corporations that you’re willing to spend a little extra to be assured that the people making the products are treated fairly.
Are Fair Trade products also organic?
Not necessarily, but most Fair Trade farmers use sustainable farming techniques, and are offered an extra premium for organic production. Also, you can guarantee clothing items are handmade.
How can I support Fair Trade?
You can ask your local businesses to sell and use Fair Trade certified and Fair Trade Federation products. Grocery co-ops and natural food stores are the best places to find these items, but their presence is spreading. For a complete listing of stores that carry fair trade items, log on totransfairusa.org or globalexchange.org.
Get Involved. Take Action!
Now is the time to be an active consumer, and take action to end these injustices. Oxfam International is a confederation of 13 organizations working together with more than 3,000 partners in more than 100 countries to find lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. The Oxfam campaign offers opportunities for all of us to make a difference no matter where you are in the world. Log on maketradefair.com/en/index.htm and learn more about what you can do to make a difference in the movement.
