Fair Trade Products Impact Many People’s Lives

Have you ever wondered where the clothing you wear and other products you use comes from? Perhaps you have even gone so far as to wonder if you could make a positive impact in the lives of those who produce such products. If you have felt this way before or you are beginning to feel this way now you are in luck. Fair trade products offer the opportunity to be more conscientious regarding one’s purchases.



Fair trade is really a social movement that contains a market-based method to help producers of goods in developing countries gain more favorable trading conditions. Another key feature of the fair trade phenomenon is that sustainability is the goal, rather than simply making money. This movement is designed to ensure the payment of a higher price to producers as well as better work conditions. Overall, the goal of fair trade is to attain higher social and environmental standards to positively impact the lives of workers and growers.

If the products you buy carry an official Fair trade logo, then these products have met certain vital criteria. For example, fair trade standards dictate that employees must receive livable wages and these employees must be able to join unions and bargain collectively. No forced or child labor is allowed. Moreover, specific fair trade standards require that a joint body be set up with representatives from both management and employees. This joint body decides on how premiums will be spent to benefit employees.

In order for a producer to achieve fair trade certification the workers involved in the production of the product must be compensated fairly and their working conditions must offer them a good way to support themselves. Moreover, progressive methods need to be integral to the production process—progress needs to occur over time that impacts the workers positively.

Clearly there are many facets to the story behind fair trade products. As consumers, it is vital that we learn to ask questions about where the products we use come from. We need to seek out such stories and choose to use our purchasing power consciously if we intend to help make a positive change in the world through our shopping decisions. Products include fair trade clothing, coffee, produce, and an ever-increasing variety of other options. So, the next time you are out shopping, perhaps you can inquire as to whether or not there are fair trade options offered. You can truly impact other people’s lives positively if you take the time to care.

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