What is fair trade?

Fair trade is exactly what it sounds like -- trade that is focused on fairness. Fair trade supporters are committed to ensuring that those who produce goods in foreign countries are being given just wages and have stable conditions. The focus is shifted from the traditional free-market aim of profits to the well-being of people.

If you can’t buy local, you should be buying fair trade.

Why does it matter?

In today’s world, it’s almost impossible to buy something that wasn’t made with slave labor. Even if you are sure where something was made, often the materials used were mined by those who are living with slave-like wages and in dangerous conditions.

Buying fair trade is a way to be certain that the items are coming from a place where equality and justness are central.

Fair Trade USA is a non-profit focused on helping farmers and producers build a business that is sustainable and good for their community. The best part of Fair Trade USA is they don’t focus on throwing money at the problem, but focus on the people and communities. They teach them how to use the market, work with their profits and expenses and grow the community instead of just the business.

Many fair trade producers are also environmentally aware and use practices that are safe for the world. Because the focus isn’t on profits, the producers and growers can make sure that everything is made with quality and wholesome ingredients. Instead of cutting corners with chemicals and quick fixes. Supporting fair trade is more than just supporting the farmers and workers -- it also supports our earth.

Where can I find fair trade items?

Almost anything you can think of has a fair trade alternative. Fair Trade USA has a list of verified partners and products that have been sourced and produced with people in mind. Of course, fair trade extends beyond coffee and chocolate. You can find fair trade clothes, body care products and even wine and liquors.

It’s easiest to look for the fair trade seal on products and to look into a company if you aren’t sure. Yeah, research can be time consuming, especially if you are just out trying to pick up some groceries, but it’s worth it.

There are more fair trade and direct sourced items than what is listed on the site. Many other companies, like Taaluma Totes and Gem and Heart, have worked with groups to give fair wages and empower the people they are sourcing from.

Recently, I have been noticing more and more shops that only feature fair trade items popping up around towns. If you can find one like this near you, this is an easy way to be sure that you are getting fairly traded goods. Often, shops like these will work with communities directly to get different items.

One of the best things about fair trade is connecting with the people. Some of my favorite items come with the story of where it came from and who made it. I think this is the most important part. We have access today to more goods and products than should be seasonally and regionally possible. Including fair trade in our lives remind us of that. It reminds us to to be grateful for the people that make our morning cup of coffee and our late-night chocolate bars possible.