What Is Fair Trade?
Fair trade is a lot of things: a social justice movement, an
alternative business model, a system of global commerce, a tool for
international development, a faith-based activity. Fair trade’s many definitions center
around
the
exchange of
goods based
on principles of economic and social justice.
10 Principles of Fair Trade
1.
Create Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers - Fair trade is trade that reduces
poverty by supporting marginalized small producers. Fair trade seeks to enable these producers to
be economically self-sufficient.
2.
Transparency and Accountability - Fair trade assures relevant information is provided to
all trading partners through open communication at all levels of the supply
chain. Fair trade finds appropriate, participatory ways to involve trading
partners in decision-making.
3. Fair Trading Practices - Fair trade is concerned for the
social, economic and environmental wellbeing of producers and does not maximize
profit at their expense. Fair trade
builds long-term relationships based on solidarity, trust and mutual respect.
4. Payment of a Fair Price - Fair pay means provision of
socially and locally acceptable remuneration.
A fair price is mutually agreed upon and provides fair pay to the
producers and is sustainable by the market. Any fair trade pricing structures
are used as a minimum.
5. Ensuring no Child Labor or Forced Labor - Fair trade ensures that no forced
labor is used in production and that United Nations’ guidelines and national
and local laws are followed when children are employed. Any involvement of children (including
learning a traditional art) does not adversely affect the children's wellbeing,
security, educational requirements or need for play.
6. Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender
Equity and Freedom of Association -
Fair trade does not discriminate in hiring, remuneration, accessto
training, promotion, termination or retirement. Fair trade respects the right
of all employees to form and join trade unions of their choice and to bargain
collectively.
7. Ensuring Good Working Conditions - Fair trade provides a safe and
healthy working environment for employees and members. It complies, at a
minimum, with national and local laws and ILO conventions.
8. Providing Capacity Building - Fair trade seeks to increase
positive developmental impacts for small, marginalized producers. Those working directly with small producers
develop specific activities to help these producers improve their management
skills, production capabilities and access to markets.
9. Promoting Fair Trade - Those connected with fair trade
raise awareness of the aims of fair trade and of the need for greater justice
in world trade.
10.
Respect for the Environment - Those who create fair trade products maximize the use of raw
materials and energy-saving technologies. Buyers and importers of fair trade
products give priority to buying products made from raw materials that
originate from sustainably managed sources and have the least overall impact on
the environment.
How does Fair Trade Impact Me?
Fair
Trade connects you with other cultures. Fair
Trade products are unique to the places they come from and the people who make
them. Farmers and artisans are involved in the entire process, and Fair Trade
products reflect the people and cultures they come from. When you purchase a fair trade product you
get an added bonus with the item - you get the pride that comes from knowing
you made a real difference in a real person's life.
There’s an App for That
Learn how
your favorite brands relate to fair trade by downloading the “Free2Work” app in
your app store. When you’re shopping,
you can use the app to see a brand’s forced and child labor grade.
Adapted from Fair
Trade Resource Network, (FTRN.org) and the World Fair Trade Organization
(WFTO.org).
