You may have heard that October is Fair Trade Month. According to the Fair Trade Federation, Fair Trade Month raises awareness about the importance of the fair trade movement to our global economy and promotes buying from businesses that are committed to fair trade in place of those which may harm the environment, the economy, communities, and individuals.
A question we have received, is, how do I know if a product is fair trade.
Here are a few questions you can ask when choosing a product to determine if it is fair trade:
1. Does the product display a recognized fair trade certification label, such as Fair Trade Certified, Fairtrade International, or other reputable organizations?
2. Is information about the product's supply chain and the producers readily available, including details about where and how it was produced?
3. Are the producers paid a fair wage or price for their labor or products, ensuring they receive a living wage?
4. Does the product support environmentally sustainable practices, such as organic farming or responsible sourcing?
5. Is there evidence of ethical treatment of workers, including safe working conditions and labor rights protection?
6. Does the company or brand have a transparent commitment to fair trade principles and practices?
7. Are there community development initiatives or social programs supported by the purchase of this product?
8. Are there alternative fair trade options available for the same or similar product?
By asking these questions and doing some research, you'll be able to make more informed decisions when choosing fair trade products.
