As consumers, every time we spend money, we are casting a vote for the world we want to be a part of. We have the choice to spend our money with companies who are doing good for people and the planet and the choice to spend our money with companies who are not. We truly are voting with our dollar every time we make a purchase.
Disclosure: This post is a part of a partnership between Thrifts and Tangles and Fairtrade America. I received compensation in exchange for this post.
Unfair Trade vs Fairtrade
There are a lot of companies participating in greenwashing, meaning they are giving a false impression or providing misleading information about how their products are environmentally friendly. There are also a lot of companies with unfair trade practices, meaning they are not paying workers fairly and not in compliance with several different standards.
We can avoid supporting companies that are greenwashing and participating in unfair trade practice by purchasing products with the Fairtrade Mark.
Fairtrade America is a part of the global movement to pay the true and fair cost for the products we consume. The Fairtrade Mark is a blue and green logo that indicates the producers were fairly compensated for their goods. It also indicates that the products were produced in compliance with environmental, economic, and social standards.
Choosing Fairtrade = Choosing the Planet
Small scale farmers and rural communities are disproportionately affected by climate change. The decrease in crop yields, changing weather patterns, pests, and diseases lead to food insecurity and loss of income. Around the world, farmers who grow everyday staples such as coffee, cocoa, and bananas, are grappling to adapt to extreme weather and challenging conditions brought about by climate change.
Fairtrade works to implement environmental standards to protect local ecosystems. Fairtrade also ensures fair employment conditions such as livable wages, social security, union rights, healthcare, education, and more.
It’s important to make sure that farmers and workers have access to the resources needed to adapt to climate change. Unfair trade has been a barrier preventing rural workers and farmers from accessing these resources. This is why it’s important to buy Fairtrade certified products.
How to Find Fairtrade Products?
1. Fairtrade products can be found online and in several stores – just look for their green and blue Fairtrade Mark on the product’s packaging.
2. Check out Fairtrade America’s Product Finder for Fairtrade certified products
3. Follow Fairtrade America on Instagram – they frequently run giveaways featuring some amazing products
Have you ever purchased a Fairtrade certified product?
