What is fair trade? That question comes up a lot. I have 2 knee-jerk responses that I tend to blurt out in equal share:
A way of doing business that’s based on transparency of production and treating the producers fairly instead of exploiting them.
or
A movement to end global poverty by paying people a fair wage for the products they make instead of exploiting them.
‘Fair Trade is 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 actively engaged in supporting producers, in awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practices of conventional international trade.’
Want to delve a little deeper into fair trade? Jackie’s got a book on the subject (click the image to find out how to purchase):
