The Fairness of Trade

The Fairness of Trade

Today is World Fair Trade Day, and it gets me to thinking (since my mom mentions going to Walmart and the building collapse in Bangladesh), how many really know and understand fair trade.

According to fairtradeusa.org: Fair Trade began modestly in the 1940s when a few small North American and European organizations reached out to poverty stricken communities to help them sell their handicrafts to well-off markets. Later, a fictional Dutch character, Max Havelaar, was developed as an advocate for exploited coffee pickers. Today, Fair Trade is a global effort. Consumers can enliven developing countries, relieve exploitation and promote environmental sustainability by purchasing Fair Trade-labeled tea, cocoa, fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, sugar, honey, wine, flowers, grains and rubber products.



How does this tie into everyday purchases? When we as consumers read the labels "made in ____" fill in the blank, we are making the purchase power of a lifetime. We can say through that purchase that I will make sure this will not go towards the exploiting of the environment, of people and countries. So here are some steps, look for labels that say fair trade. Look for clothing that is made in the USA or call up the companies and ask how their products are made and how they treat their employees.

Shopping With A Cause

(Posted May 8, 2011)

In my quest of needing to replace certain house wares and articles of clothing/shoes, I found some helpful companies/websites. Some may already be aware of them and this maybe new to others.

The GreaterGood Network: has given more than $20 million to non-profit charities around the world sine 1999; supports fair trade/fair wages, purchases school books for children, animal welfare, support of veterans, etc. It’s got great prices on the products, and I had no problems with the check out. Products are made in America, or fairly waged and traded from other parts of the world.
www.therainforestsite.com
www.thehungersite.com

Lodge Manufacturing: For those who love cast iron, this site has everything you will possibly need or want. Made in America since 1896- keeping jobs here in America.
www.lodgemfg.com

New Balance: They are the only company that got back to me regarding the questions about how their products are made. They have factories here in the U.S. and you can go into the stores to try on and find the perfect fit. Plus, they have some shoes that are made from recycled materials. Supports Gay/lesbian/trans gender rights, fight against Parkinson’s disease, etc.
www.newbalance.com

Good Shopping Guide-Fair Labor and Good Environment Practices
www.ethical-company-organisation.org