FAIR TRADE CREATES POSITIVE CHANGE IN THE WORLD

written by Jen Moran

"Fair Trade leverages the power of people working together across the supply chain (coopamerica.org)." Every person involved in a Fair Trade transaction helps to empower producers while ensuring their health and well-being. Fair Trade transactions also invest in communities and our environment.

Often we are unaware of the effects our purchasing desicions have on people, and the planet. By subsituting/adding more Fair Trade products into our current budget, we take power away from big corporations who seek the lowest possible cost at the expense of workers and our environment. Fair Trade products allow consumers to support producers with a living wage while building stronger communities and promoting a healthier planet.

Fair Trade is not the same as "Free Trade."



FREE TRADE

• A system that favors big businesses.
• Wages fluctuate as businesses search for the cheapest labor and highest profits.
• Free Trade agreements allow businesses to avoid internationally recognized environmental standards.

FAIR TRADE

• A system that favors small farmers and cooperatives.
• Producers are guaranteed a floor price that is a living wage, building stability for workers.
• Fair Trade insists on adherence to international environmental standards, often directing fair trade premiums to environmental education.

LOOK FOR LABELS!

In the US, Fair Trade Certified products have the label of the TransFair USA and craft businesses operate under the label of the Fair Trade Federation.

LOOK FOR THE FAIR TRADE LABEL ON THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS:

• Coffee
• Chocolate
• Tea
• Sugar
• Fresh Fruit
• Rice
• Vanilla
• Spices
• Sports Balls
• Wine
• Fair Trade Crafts
• Clothing