Fairtrade : The Win-Win of Fair Trade

Fair trade products are becoming more readily available to the everyday consumer and offer us a great opportunity to engage in ethical and sustainable production methods.

Purchasing Fair trade alternatives to big brand products is a great way to ensure we have a broad and sustaining positive impact with our shopping dollar.

Fair trade is all about a fair go for producers. It is about creating a better future for all people by promoting a fair price and decent working conditions and by putting an end to exploitation and the cycle of poverty and unsustainable practices around the World.

Many of the products found on our supermarket shelves, including some makes of big brand coffee, chocolate and tea which are often sourced from developing countries, could be contributing to exploitation and unsustainable practices. Without a fair trade agreement there are no standards to protect the producers to ensure they receive a fair price, decent working conditions and that the products are produced with a social and environmental conscious.

A fair trade agreement means producers are not economically disadvantaged or ‘ripped off’ by huge multinational companies out to make gross profits at their expense and often the expense of the environment. Trading is done fairly and with the interests of all parties taken into account.

This enables the producers to take control of their own future and has a positive spin off for the community, economy and environment.

A Fairtrade standard ensures that prices are paid to cover the cost of sustainable and ethical work practices. Choose certified Fairtrade products and choose not to contribute to exploitation and poverty. Aid the fight against unsustainable practices and put your money into products that are produced with an environmental and ethical conscience.

Fair trade is all about partnerships, its’ about people, communities and the environment and it benefits all of us.

For further detailed information on standards, benefits and certification visit the Fairtrade Labelling Organisation International.

And remember, it is always important to be aware of where a product comes from, if in doubt try and choose products that carry a Certified Fairtrade Endorsement.

It isn’t always made clear where or how a product is produced, or where specific ingredients are sourced. If there is a particular commodity you are concerned about, ask the supplier, contact the brand or research on the net. There has been an increase in consumer awareness and demand which has made it much easier for all of us to purchase products that do not contribute to exploitation and poverty.

Try and look for Fairtrade certified especially when purchasing the following:

Cocoa products including chocolate
Coffee
Tea
Dried Fruit
Honey
Juices
Nuts
Oil
Rice
Spices
Sugar

Find out about the “Akha Way” and the wonderful story behind
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"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~Hellen Keller