Have you been wondering what it meant if something you bought was Fair Trade Certified? So have we.
What is fair trade? Fair Trade is a social movement with the conviction that there should be fair wages, safe working conditions and sustainable economies in the developing world. Fairness dictates that the people in developing countries who make products and sell them to those of us in the developed world should be fairly paid for their labor. In the FairTrade system, experts determine minimum and “living” wages in each community. They establish standards for reasonable working conditions. Fair Trade focuses on specific industries: handicrafts, coffee, herbs, rice, vanilla, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, cotton, wine, fresh fruit, chocolate and flowers.
As consumers we need to be thinking about what we’re buying and whether it’s Fair Trade Certified.
What is FairTrade Certified? The experts at the FairTrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO) establish regional fair wage, environmental, labor and developmental standards with a rigorous audit system and then verify company compliance with FairTrade criteria. Qualifying companies and products earn the right to use the FairTrade Mark that tells consumers the product is FairTrade Certified.
For more information go to http://www.fairtrade.net/home.html
Here are some other facts about the fair trade system:
- Seeks to promote safe work environments
- Promotes environmental sustainability
- Supplies financial and technical support to build stability
- Educates consumers
- Encourages direct trade, eliminating middlemen
- Does not use abusive child labor or forced labor
Recent fair trade news:
- FinancialExpress.com reports that the Australian actor Hugh Jackman is filming a documentary on fair trade practices to raise awareness for fair trade initiatives.
- Cadbury New Zealand & Australia has decided to join Cadbury UK in using Fair Trade cocoa in its milk chocolate bars. This will more than triple the amount of Fair Trade products sold in Australia and support cocoa farmers and communities in Ghana.
- Sam’s Club just introduced new Fair Trade Certified private brand coffee from Brazil.
On-line fair trade stores:
Further information about fair trade:
