Why are Fair Trade products sustainable and ecocentric?   Imagine if we cultivated industries within their originating country, supporting the commodity such as raw chocolate, organic cotton, high quality wood used for artisan furniture to optimize growth, while providing jobs and resources for a village and work for the community, and supplying the absolute highest quality products to the world outside of that community who could provide support to grow the country’s infrastructure? Fair Trade products represent a circle of good practices to grow, nurture and sustain environmentally conscious business. Funds created by purchasing Fair Trade  invest in project such as schools, wells, and roads for building industry in developing countries.

When you purchase fair trade products, you’re given indigenous products from the natural source and the people who grew and crafted them from the earth. The purchases you make potentially daily or weekly, can support farmers and factory workers in 70 countries work safely, earn extra money, invest in their communities and cultures by improving lives. Common items which can be bought Fair Trade include: apparel, body care, chocolate, coffee, flowers, fruits & vegetables, herbs & spices, home goods, whole grains, sugar & honey, tea and wine & spirits.

A few key facets of the Fair Trade industry to know about:

• alleviates proverty
• creates workplace safety
• environmental conservation
• food safety
• no child labor
• women’s empowerment

The ultimate aim of Fair Trade is to support small farmers and their communities to be sustainable, while joining the worldwide marketplace to become more value-driven.  Fair Trade certifying bodies maintain highly ethical environmental standards which advance economic, social and environmental goals within developing countries.

Resources for more information:

• Fair Trade Certified 
• Fair Trade USA
• Fair Trade Certifying Standards