Why Fair Trade??

5 years ago, all I knew about purchasing Fair Trade was that it most likely meant spending more money for something.

It is a subject that you hear about more & more these days, however I find that few people have a real understanding of what exactly Fair Trade means. So I thought I would share some thoughts and ideas on the issue as well as how it relates to fighting human trafficking.

According to Handmade Expressions, "Fair Trade is a trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency, and respect. This system of exchange seeks to create greater equity and partnership in the international trading system." So what does this mean for us as consumers? And why should we purchase Fair Trade?

Every time we choose to purchase a fair trade item, we are supporting a just and sustainable global economic system. Each purchase made is a step towards the eradication of global poverty. And contrary to what I used to believe, purchasing fair trade does not necessarily mean spending more money for something. Since fair trade organizations work directly with producers, this means they are cutting out exploitative middlemen. This keeps products more affordable for consumers and returns a greater percentage of the price to the producers.

It is easy to wonder if purchasing Fair Trade really makes a difference, and the answer is "Definitely!"

Why purchase Fair Trade?? Because~

~It offers respect for the hard work of talented people.

~It provides a sustainable living for developing communities.

~It supports conservation of the environment

~It empowers women and minorities.

~Fair Trade fights forced labor, slavery and child labor!!

If a young woman in India is able to earn a fair wage sewing or making local handicrafts, she is no longer vulnerable to human trafficking.

If an impoverished parent in Cambodia is able to earn a fair wage, selling one daughter to a brothel owner in order to feed the rest is no longer the only option.

Fair Trade businesses can open up opportunities and creates choices for women, where once prostitution may have been the only option they could see.

So, how can we help this movement to grow?

~We can help to educate our friends and family about the benefits of buying Fair Trade items.

~We can begin to make more educated choices about how & where we spend our money.

~We can demand Fair Trade products at the places we shop.

We often don't realize the power we have here in the US as consumers to change the world, simply by changing the way we spend our money. Choosing to purchase Fair Trade & Made by Survivor products is a simple, yet powerful way we can make a significant difference in our world!