Day 24fair trade

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Overview

 “Fair Trade isn’t just about coffee and cacao, it’s about everything.”
– David Bronner, Cosmic Engagement Officer, Dr. Bronner’s

You hear a lot about the importance of voting with your dollar, but how much does each purchase actually matter? A lot! Every purchase has the potential to help create a more socially, economically, and environmentally just planet. That’s why certifications like Fair Trade are so important, giving consumers an easier way to create an equitable society. But what does Fair Trade actually mean? It’s more than just fair payments for farmers; it’s a revolutionary economic system that cares about consumers, workers, and the planet.  

At the store, products are just there, with little hint of origin or resources used to create what sits on the shelf. Have you ever stopped to think about how that product was made, who made it, and under what conditions? If all of those stories were presented alongside the product, you would better understand the impact a single product can have. The mission of today’s partner, Fair World Project, is to educate and advocate for a just global economy where people are treated fairly and with dignity, the environment is respected and nourished, and commerce fosters sustainable livelihoods and communities in a global society based on cooperation and solidarity. 

As Fair Trade Campaigns explains, “When you choose to purchase Fair Trade products, you are endorsing an economic system that provides opportunities for international farmers, artisans, and workers to lift themselves out of poverty.”

Rather than looking at production as a piecemeal operation, Fair Trade looks at trade holistically and asks how a product can be made and sold to benefit everyone. At its core, Fair Trade supports workers’ rights, economic and community development, and environmentally-friendly production methods. 

In addition to minimum prices and premiums to support development projects, there is also an environmental aspect to fair trade. To be certified Fair Trade, farmers have to improve soil and water quality, avoid harmful chemicals, manage waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect biodiversity. Fair Trade focuses on working in harmony with nature to create a system that benefits people and the planet.Because you often can’t meet the people who made your product, third-party certification and Fair Trade membership labels ensure your purchases match your values. Labels such as Fair for Life, Fairtrade America, Fair Trade Certified, World Fair Trade Organization, and Fair Trade Federation verify that a product was made following certain standards. While the specifics vary from label to label, all include fair and transparent prices for farmers, livable wages for workers, and premiums to support sustainable production and community development.