You have  heard the term before, but what does Fair Trade really mean?  According the Fair Trade Federation ,

• Fair Trade is a method of conducting international business with the pledge to follow high ethical standards  – i.e. a fair wage for a quality product.

Our customers know that we encourage individuals to use their purchasing power as a vote for social and environmental change. No matter where you shop or what you are purchasing; whether it is a trendy beaded necklace, a new blouse, home décor, or coffee- it important to know where that product came from and who you are supporting when you make your purchase.

Quite often, products that are offered to consumers at unbelievable low prices come at an extraordinarily high human cost by foreign workers.  These workers are usually desperate for income and are subject to terrible compensation and inhumane working conditions- thus continuing the cycle of poverty in their community.

Here are some key principles of Fair Trade Organizations:

• Producer partners agree to provide workers fair wages, maintain safe and healthy working environments while offering transparency and public accountability.
• They work to raise global awareness through consumer education and campaigning for change.
• Committed to respecting the cultural identity of their producers.
• A commitment to putting the money back to the community the product came from.  Many businesses donate a portion of the proceeds to build better schools, homes, and other crucial infrastructure projects depending on the needs of the community.
• The opportunity for producers in developing and developed countries opportunities to build long term relationships.

I hope to open a discussion and hear from you!   What does Fair Trade mean to you as a consumer?  What are the most important factors to you when making a purchasing choice?  Are there Fair Trade products that have a special meaning to you?

Please leave a comment or leave a reply for us on Twitter and/or Facebook.

Things do not change; we change- Henry David Thoreau

Part of our mission is to seek out ways to present better options to consumers who want to make socially conscious decisions when it comes to purchasing products and services. We recently became associated with a wonderful online resource called BizLightenment and found they share these ideals with us. 

On their site, they beautifully define what is considered a conscious business:

     
• From the BizLightenment perspective, Conscious Business is a way of doing business where the creation of value is considered the foundation for creating wealth.

       

• Value is defined here as contribution to both the individual and the common good

       

• In addition, Conscious Business recognizes the interconnectedness of Life and strives to be socially and environmentally responsible while respecting the sacredness and dignity of all life.

       

• It is business infused with what might be called “spiritual” values including integrity, generosity, honesty and service.

       

• Ideally, a Conscious Business operates with heart and soul and seeks to be aware of its impact on the lives of its employees, its customers, its community and the world.

We have a directory listing on this site and have decided to help promote this valuable resource by donating a Half the Sky Designs Recycled Juice Pack Silver Runway Backpack to support the BizLightenment Conscious Gift Basket Giveaway Event, a promotion they are doing this month. All you  need to do is sign up for their email newsletter to enter for a chance to win one of these gorgeous baskets filled with great gifts.