14 May Why Fair Trade Matters

World Fair Trade Day is the largest Fair Trade event of the year in North America, and events take place May 6-20 which promotes Fair Trade and campaigns for trade justice together with farmers & artisans. World Fair Trade Day fell on May 12. http://www.fairtraderesource.org/about-2/mission-vision-values/

Fair trade is a movement aimed at helping people help themselves. It not only pays fair wages to producers, but also supports them by supplying financial and technical assistance, respecting cultural identity and the individual, developing long term relationships with artists and artist groups, protecting the environment, and even educating consumers about the effects of how they spend their dollars.

Ethical commerce can help people and the planet. By caring about the people who make our food and decorate our home, we can build connections around the world and make it a better place. Every business and government is listening to what consumers say. So whether you know it or not, you are voting with your dollars and can make a difference.

Fair trade helps people and fosters protection of the environment—bridging that gap together. From deforestation to over hunting, many of the ecological problems that affect Latin America and other parts of the world can be linked directly to poverty.

Why Fair Trade Matters:

•  Fair Trade organizations work with artists and producers to determine a fair price service or product that will allow them to exceed their cost of production and be able to improve their lives through more nutritious food, better education, and even access to healthcare.
• In return for strong relationships between fair trade stores, wholesalers and producers, you as the consumer will often find some of the highest quality and unique goods on the market. Most people are surprised that fair trade products are quite affordable.  To name a few, visit Ten Thousand Villages, or local online store such as Purse and Clutch, or stop to have a fair trade coffee with Bike Caffé.
• Fair Trade benefits workers and communities by spreading profits more equitably and stimulating THEIR local economy. Profits are often re-invested into community projects, such as health clinics, childcare, and education.
• Many Fair Trade members work directly with producers to develop products based on a sustainable use of their natural resources. This gives the communities a reason to preserve and maintain their environment.
• Many Fair Trade organizations provide financial assistance to producers through loans or by supplying prepayments so producers can cover the costs of raw materials.
• Fair trade is a global effort.  So be part of it!
• Fair trade strives to continually provide work and help for specific groups and communities– it’s more than a one time deal.

Lastly, it a purchase you can truly feel good about!  So the next time you are looking to make a purchase think Fair Trade whenever possible. Every purchase you make does matter and can have a powerful effect.