Fair Trade Supports the Global Community

Fair Trade is more than just having a great cup of coffee or a beautiful handmade item. Every time you make a Fair Trade purchase, you are reaching out and touching lives across the globe.  Fair Trade principles ensure that workers and producers are being treated fairly in all aspects of the business relationship.  It helps to build communities and to support individuals in marginalized countries.  By spending your dollars on Fair Trade, you are making a statement that you are in favor of these ideas.

Fair Trade Options: Image ©Marcus Lyon

Misconceptions about Fair Trade products and practices

One of the most popular is that buying Fair Trade is anti-American.  It is based on the idea that people should buy US made products first.  And I agree with this sentiment. However, for the most part, Fair Trade products are those that do not have a US equivalent.  For example, coffee and bananas are not grown in the United States.  There are so few items produced in the United States anymore, that it is hard to buy American made, no matter how you try.  This is why buying Fair Trade over free trade is a good choice.

It is also believed that Fair Trade is just a form of charity.  Again, this is not true.  Workers put in hard work producing their items and are paid fairly for them.  That we have come to think of this as possibly being charity is disturbing.  Workers, no matter where they live, deserve a living wage for what they grow and produce.  They deserve to be able to do so in workplaces that are safe and comfortable, and they deserve the opportunity for growth and improvement.  These are all principles that Fair Trade stands for.

The BIG misconception, buying Fair Trade is just too expensive

This is something that is largely based on what you as the individual value.  If you value sustainability and basic human rights, then the extra money for that product is worth it. There are hidden expenses in that popular brand bar of chocolate.  Children are basically used as slaves in some places in the chocolate trade, and most free trade chocolate does not have the advantage of being organic. As you snack on your next bar, think carefully about how it may have gotten to your hands.  Is it worth the inexpensive price if it means that another suffered for it?

In many of the communities where Fair Trade businesses are located, there has been growth in schools, medical facilities, and in clean water availability.  The money that these businesses generate go right into the community and improve it for all.  Think of how good it would feel to buy a beautiful handmade beaded bag, and to know that you are directly involved in doing good in a community across the globe.  You are receiving a great product, and you get to feel great about it, instead of wondering under what meager worker conditions it may have been made.  Fair Trade feels good, does good, and looks or tastes good.  Try it and find out for yourself.

What is your favorite Fair Trade item to purchase?