What is Fair Trade?
The Fair Trade label is applied to many types of food stuffs, which have high levels of exploitation, such as coffee, sugar, tea, cocoa, nuts, herbs, produce, etc. Fair Trade labeling also occurs on other consumer products, such as sports balls, clothing, rugs, etc. Fair Trade Certification empowers workers and communities to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms/businesses and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace. Fair Trade is much more than a fair price, it enables safe working conditions, living wages for workers, prohibits forced child labor and slavery, is environmental sustainable, and prompts community development.
What is Fair Trade Certification?
For a product to be considered a Fair Trade, it has to be certified through an audit system, which ensures that all of the Fair Trade principles are met in the production, sale, and distribution of the item. The Fair Trade label is applied to October will be filled with giveaways on TransFair USA’s Twitter and Facebook pages, as well as any local events. Many events are registered on the TransFair website so that individuals can easily find Fair Trade programs near their homes and workplaces.
What Can You Do?
- Look for the Fair Trade Certified Label, and buy Fair Trade products such as; coffee, tea, chocolate, nuts, rice, sugar, and other products when possible.
- If you don’t see Fair Trade products in your local shop, ask for them!
- Host a Fair Trade House party to raise awareness and share products with your friends and family.
- Serve Fair Trade products at your house, office, school,etc.
- Ask your local or childs sports team to use Fair Trade sports equipment such as that sold by by Fair Trade Sports.
- Start a campaign to make your town a Fair Trade Town (U.S. or Europe).
Take the opportunity this month to learn about Fair Trade with your children and go on a few of the great sites out there that have games and resources for kids, such asOxfam’s Cool Planet and Kidz @ Work . Please see my Fair Trade and Slave Free Links for more information. Please also see previous posts on Child Trafficking, Child Labor and don’t forget to check out the following resource pages: