During the month of October, we celebrate our shared vision of building a better, fairer world - and how fair trade creates amazing impact across the globe!
SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS FAIR TRADE?
It is providing fair wages & dignified work to those who can’t easily access it within their community.
It is offering health care, child care, & education to help empower artisans & their families.
It is maintaining sustainable practices to benefit the Earth & the longevity of our partnerships.
2024 FTM Project
To celebrate Fair Trade Month each year, we select a special project that helps our artisan partners uplift their communities even more.
This year, they requested help purchasing badly needed cooking equipment that will allow them to prepare healthy & oil-free meals!
Every order placed in the month of October will help us complete this project!
Previous Fair Trade Month Projects
Food Storage Containers
In 2023, our artisan partners requested stainless steel food storage containers to help keep their grains clean and dry. Thanks to your support, we were able to purchase containers for 250 women!
Stitching Training Center
We raised $6,000 to help our artisan partners establish a stitching & tailoring training center in 2022! So many women have completed the training and gained skills that will help them obtain fair wage employment!
Pandemic Supplies
In 2020, we raised over $8,000 to help get badly needed food & medical supplies to communities battling the Covid crisis in India. We teamed-up with our artisan partners to design cotton face masks. We then donated 100% of the proceeds back to our artisan partners.
Shop Fair Trade
The easiest way to support the movement is to shop fair trade products. Look for the Fair Trade Federation logo on items as you shop, as well as the Fair Trade Certified and Fairtrade International logos!
Take Small Steps
It can be overwhelming to overhaul entire shopping habits, so start with little swaps. Change the coffee or chocolate you are buying for a fair trade alternative. Need some new clothes? Explore the Fair Trade Federation members for sustainable retailers. Small shifts can make a huge difference!
Spread the Word!
Share your new fair trade finds on social media and give recommendations to your friends & family! Check out our Pinterest for shareable quotes & graphics!
Fair Trade Month FAQ
Why do we need fair trade?
Fair trade provides solutions to so many things! It’s a tool for poverty alleviation and a way to challenge economic and social inequities in the world. Many large multinational corporations and fast fashion brands take advantage of workers in marginalized circumstances to perpetuate the cycle of poverty. Fair Trade offers an alternative business model that prioritizes people and the planet by providing fair wages, safe and empowering working conditions, and long term collaborative relationships.
What does "fair" really mean?
Artisans and farmers receive fair wages for the work produced. This means they’re paid a living wage which enables them to cover basic needs including food, housing, education and healthcare for their families. Paying fair wages doesn’t mean that the products cost more, 360* Fair Trade Organizations prevent exploitative practices and ensure that the supply chain is fair for all.
What is the difference between fair trade and free trade?
Fair Trade is a way of doing business that empowers marginalized artisans and farmers with fair pay, collaborative work environments, and long term partnerships. Free Trade is a global trading strategy to reduce barriers between countries to increase economic growth.
How do I know that a product is fair trade?
Organizations like the Fair Trade Federation (North America) and the World Fair Trade Organization (globally) rigorously screen and verify that members are practicing 360* fair trade, meaning they’re fully fair trade in all areas of their business. These organizations have a deep level of commitment to fair trade principles and practices, and maintain long term relationships with their artisan partners. Look for businesses that are members of these organizations to ensure their products are fully vetted and fair trade!
Sometimes you’ll see products in the marketplace that carry a fair trade certification seal. This is most often seen on food and farm items like coffee, tea, chocolate, and fruits and vegetables. That means that the product has gone through an audit with a certification agency. Sometimes large multinational brands have a few products that meet fair trade criteria but cannot be fully fair trade in other areas of their business.
What is fairwashing and how can I spot it?
Fairwashing happens when brands and manufacturers misrepresent how equitable their business practices are, or claim to be engaging in authentic fair trade practices but actually aren’t. :( Look for logos showing an accredited membership in an organization like the Fair Trade Federation or the World Fair Trade Organization to ensure the business is actually doing what they say they’re doing. Beware of buzzwords like “fairly made” or an overall lack of transparency. It’s always good to ask questions, authentic fair trade organizations love to share all they do!
