What is Fair Trade?
The simple answer is making sure people are paid a fair market price that enables them to improve their standard of living so they are not taken advantage of. You may have seen the term "fair trade" advertised on some products or by merchants and businesses. What does the certification mean and what's the relation to the environment?
Many workers around the world are treated and paid very poorly. Approximately 20% of the world's population exists on under a dollar a day; and around double that have incomes of under $2 a day. You might often wonder how some products you buy can be so cheap - underpaid workers toiling in sweatshops contributes to our "bargains," as do the environmentally destructive processes used to create some of the products we consume. That bargain may come at a very high price to our fellow man and the environment.
But these issues aren't confined to cheap items. Some of the world's biggest companies who place high price tags on goods utilize sweatshop labor - and the profits are incredible.
Fair Trade History
In the middle of last century, some religious and non government organizations recognized these abuses and set about creating a fair trade market. The original products were mostly craftworks, but Fair Trade principles have been applied to a wide range of goods and services since - including coffee, textiles, tea and chocolate.
Fair trade is a growing movement to help low-income artisans in developing countries move towards economic self-sufficiency. It promotes sustainability on all levels and creates opportunities to alleviate poverty. Artisans receive fair wages, education, financial and technical assistance, and have safe working conditions. Fair trade organizations pre-pay 50% for their products upfront, and work closely with the artisans on design and quality. Fair trade is about respectful relationships and is having a positive impact on the lives of thousands of artisans. It is starting to make the world a better place. It is also a long-awaited alternative to traditional trade and a way to effect real social change!
Fair trade organizations work to:
- pay a fair wage in the local context
- support safe, healthy & participatory workplaces
- provide 50% pre-payment for orders placed
- build long-term relationships
- provide ongoing education and training
- ensure environmental sustainability
- provide equal opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged
- respect cultural identity
- build long-term, direct relationships
Fair trade is a growing movement to help low-income artisans in developing countries move towards economic self-sufficiency. It promotes sustainability on all levels and creates opportunities to alleviate poverty. Artisans receive fair wages, education, financial and technical assistance, and have safe working conditions. Fair trade organizations pre-pay 50% for their products upfront, and work closely with the artisans on design and quality. Fair trade is about respectful relationships and is having a positive impact on the lives of thousands of artisans. It is starting to make the world a better place. It is also a long-awaited alternative to traditional trade and a way to effect real social change!
Fair trade organizations work to:
- pay a fair wage in the local context
- support safe, healthy & participatory workplaces
- provide 50% pre-payment for orders placed
- build long-term relationships
- provide ongoing education and training
- ensure environmental sustainability
- provide equal opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged
- respect cultural identity
- build long-term, direct relationships
More information about fair trade can be found at www.fairtradefederation.org
