October is the month we celebrate being German (at least I do), raise awareness for Breast Cancer (second most common cancer in women, so stay alert ladies), and are given license to revel in spookier pursuits.
October is also the month of the year when we focus on Fair Trade. Fair Trade is defined as
“… a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South. Fair Trade organizations, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.”
In simplest terms that means working with the people who provide certain goods, such as coffee or chocolate for example, to ensure safer and healthier environments in which to work, to guarantee a living wage, and empowering workers to improve their general quality of life.
Fair Trade products range from produce, such as coffee, tea, bananas, and flowers, to artisan crafts, such as knitted items, beaded jewelry, baskets, and pottery.
Produce and commodity Fair Trade Certification, ensures that the producer is paying the workers fair wages, using environmentally sound methods of growing (eliminating agrochemicals which are harmful to workers and the environment), provides improvement to the community in which the workers live, and gives allows the workers to become more involved in how the organization in which they work is run.
Fair Trade artisan crafts also ensure fair wages, environmentally sound means of production, and improvements to the community. Artisan Crafts have also been instrumental in the empowerment of women, as it gives women a means to essentially own their own business, by broadening the market in which they can sell goods. This has been particularly beneficial in war torn regions, where many women are widowed or left to support husbands maimed in conflict. Fair trade enables these women to better care for their children and families.
When shopping for fair trade goods one should look for certified fair trade logos. Two of the most commonly seen and respected are:
Other useful resources include:
Fair Trade Labeling Organization
Fair Trade Month
Fair Trade Resource Network
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