6 Reasons to Shop Fair Trade

Fair Trade goods of all kind are all around you, and they aren’t expensive either. Have you ever given Fair Trade a try? Below are six reasons to buy Fair Trade today.

Cocoa farming couple Miguel and Maria stand proudly in front of their house in the lush Yamasa region of the Dominican Republic. © 2003 Fairtrade Foundation

So...What is Fair Trade?
Fair Trade means an equitable and fair partnership between global marketers and producers in Asia, Africa, Latin America and other parts of the world. A fair trade partnership works to provide low-income artisans and farmers with a living wage for their work.

- Fair Trade Federation and GlobalExchangeStore.org

1. The Fair Trade system benefits over 800,000 farmers organized into cooperatives and unions in 48 countries.-GlobalExchangeShop.org

Juanita Baltodano with her daughter and grandchildren
Photo Courtesy of TransFair USA

Fair Trade provides workers with a livable wage so that they can support their families and develope their communities.

2. Fair Trade engages in environmentally sustainable practices and is often linked with organic goods, such as Equal Exchange Coffee, a certified Fair Trade and organic coffee.

Organic Cocoa Nursery
Photo Courtesy of TransFair USA

3. You don't have to travel far to find Fair Trade goods...In fact, you don't have to travel at all! If you're a student, many college cafes now offer Fair Trade coffee options. If yours doesn't, consider organzing a Fair Trade event on campus.

Your local grocery or convience store might offer Fair Trade goods. Whole Foods offers a wide selection. Look for this Fair Trade certification symbol when shopping:

Or shop online at sites like Global Exchange.

4. There are a wide variety of Fair Trade goods available, including: coffee, chocolate, jewelry, handbags, soccer balls, clothing, and more. For a details list of Fair Trade certified products visit TransFairUSA.org. Eco Soccer Ball, $34.99

5. Fair Trade goods are NOT more expensive than other goods. Because the middle man costs are eliminated, the cost of Fair trage goods are relatively the same traditionally traded goods. Sometimes, goods like Fair Trade coffee will be priced at gourmet coffee prices in order to provide the producers with a significantly higher wage, but the quality of Fair Trade coffee can easily be compared to gourmet brands (Source: GlobalExchangeStore.org)

6. October is Fair Trade month! Make a goal to try new Fair Trade products this month or even host a Fair Trade event in your community.

Websites from this article:

http://www.transfairusa.org/

http://www.globalexchangestore.org/

http://www.fairtradesportsretail.org/