Today 14 May is World Fair Trade Day, this years theme is “TRADE FOR PEOPLE – Fair Trade your world”. The theme encompasses the strong belief in the need to put people and the environment at the heart of trade and consumption, Trade for people means trade for sustainable development of local communities. Fair Trade your world stands for private consumers to include Fair Trade in their shopping bag, for business to include Fair Trade in their supply and offices, for local authorities and national governments to include Fair Trade in public procurement in a strive for responsible consumption.
World Fair Trade Day (WFTDay) is an initiative of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), the global network of Fair Trade Organizations around the planet, from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and North America Pacific Rim. It represents more than 400 Fair Trade Organizations from more than 70 countries with highest geographical outreach.
Fair Trade is a global issue and it affects each and everyone of us on a daily basis. More than looking at the world through a lens of more organic and healthy food…it is the way to a sustainable future for all of the worlds children.
Fair Trade means a fair wage, and with a fair wage comes so much more than just better working conditions and higher incomes for an individual and their families, it is a sustainable solution. A fair wage means better labor practices, less exploitation, a better environment, more economic freedom, and helps to create more opportunities, especially for children. Fair Trade gives children an opportunity to stay in school, as it keeps children under 18 out of the work force. With children in school versus the mines, fields, or factories then comes the promise of a better future through education. However a fair trade community does not just allow children to attend to school, but ensures that a community is able to develop more opportunities for their children, including cleaner water, better nutrition, and medical care.
Please take this day to think about what you buy, where it comes from, and how you are affecting the future of the worlds children. Start teaching your children today the value of fair trade, and its impact on other children all over the world. Your children are tomorrows leaders and consumers, and if they learn now the value of fair trade, then the future for millions of other children is safe hands. Check the official World Fair Trade Day calendar for events near you.
Today is a great day to start Fair Trading your life and your home, you can start by incorporating Fair Trade into your regular grocery shopping and add the following to your list; coffee, tea, sugar, chocolate, produce, and much more just look for the Fair Trade logo. Why not spread the word and invite your friends and family around for a Fair Trade coffee or tea break and serve up some other Fair Trade delights.
Take the opportunity 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 as Oxfam’s Cool Planet and Kidz @ Work . Help your kids go Fair Trade not only with what they eat, but even with the sports they play and help them get their sports teams and schools to purchase Fair Trade sports equipment. You can also see the Fair Trade Resource Network’s Teaching Tools page and Global Exchange’s Children’s Education Campaign.
Please see my Fair Trade and Slave Free Links and Fair Trade Book List for more information and resources.
