Why buy fair trade products?

The fair trade movement is all about making trade fairer for farmers and workers in the developing world. The Fairtrade Foundation is an independent certification body, which works to guarantee growers fair prices for their products. One of the unfortunate results of globalization is that many multinational companies are incredibly rich, some richer than many countries. With this huge wealth comes power, which sadly is often abused in the pursuit of profits, where money takes precedent over all else, including human rights and the environment.

Fair trade offers an alternative to the traditional economic system of inequality, that all too often is based on exploitation of both people and natural resources. To counteract this imbalance, the concept of fair trade is based on a model of cooperation, economic justice and environmental sustainability. A hugely important factor is that growers are paid a living wage and are given access to credit. Decent working conditions are ensured for workers. The focus is on supporting local communities and promoting sustainable development.

With fair trade products the aim is to cut out the middlemen, with companies buying direct from the farmers or producers. By buying fair trade coffee or tea more of your money will go to the growers and go directly into the local community. The development of essential amenities such as water boreholes, education and healthcare services gives people who are living in poverty hope for the future. To be certified as Fairtrade, companies have to meet strict social responsibility standards. As people and the environment are interconnected, there are environmental criteria too. Sustainable farming methods that are better for the environment tend to provide better conditions for workers too.

All kinds of products are now certified as being Fairtrade, from food such as chocolate, sugar and bananas, to sweatshop-free clothes. When shopping, look out for the distinctive Fairtrade logo on labels. A common ethical dilemma consumers face is how to decide when there's a choice between fair trade or organic. I tend to favor fairly traded goods over organic ones, because organic certification doesn't have the criteria for workers' rights. Fair trade certification, on the other hand, supports the use of environmentally friendly farming methods and organic practices are encouraged.

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