The Principles Of Fair Trade

You may not know this, but everything you purchase has a significant impact on the economy and people where it was made. When you buy things, you are making a purchasing decision, and it is not always the right one. Most clothing comes from labor factories where workers are overworked and underpaid. These sweatshops in developing countries continue to grow in popularity as consumers buy more of their products.

Did you ever consider that what you are buying, whether it is tea or clothing could be harming people around the globe? Some brands don’t take responsibility for the economic and social issues they cause in producing products, and they profit off the suffering of other people. To help combat these brands, many companies now offer ethical products with specific labeling, whether natural, organic, or local. Among these labels is fair trade.

When it comes to all the labeling on consumer goods, especially in terms of health food products, many people find it confusing to figure out what they mean. Does organic and non-GMO mean the same thing? Can I trust these labels? Often all the lingo and terms on the labels can be confusing to decipher especially when you are buying from independent companies and nonprofits. When it comes to an understanding of fair trade, one needs to realize that there are different certifications, and all fair trade products have different stories on how they got on the shelf.

The best way to start buying products that align with your values is to buy products that are fair trade, but how can you be sure that you are purchasing the right ones? The article below will outline an overview of the meaning behind fair trade and the subtle differences between individual labels. With the correct information, you will be on your way to choosing the right products.

The Business Of Fair Trade

When it comes to fair trade, the best way to understand is by thinking of it as a set of principles that businesses practice. Fairtrade principles focus on the economic stability, social well-being, human rights, independence, and health of producers around the world that are at a disadvantage. While fair trade can often refer to families and persons in areas that are developing or torn apart by famine and war, it can also refer to a company’s commitment to sustainable production, the environment, and ending forced or child labor. The principles of fair trade guarantee the money you spend on a product is going to the right place, rather than huge companies profiting without giving any money to the countries and workers from where the produce originated.

Depending on which organization certifies the company, fair trade labels can often refer to different aspects of commitment. Some certifications may highlight a company’s dedication to the cultural identity of the workers or equal pay. Regardless of the certification, they are all generally going to stress the importance of zero discrimination and high working standards for the farmers of their goods.

Differentiating Between Fair Trade Label

You may go to the store and see fair trade products but notice that there are variances and may get confused about what you are supporting. While there are large companies with fair trade products, there are also non-profits that will provide accreditation, so with multiple accreditation types, it can often be challenging to discern which one guarantees ethical practices.

The organizations that provide the accreditation usually have a system in place that allows them to figure out if a product is fairtrade or not. In contrast, some of the organizations in which companies must have a membership can choose to have the fairtrade label or not. While this may seem like the membership groups are less stringent, to become a member, the company must follow set rules and standards when it comes to practicing business.

When it comes to the larger organizations that provide accreditation, they can often offer the label even if there are only one or two ingredients in the product that are fair trade. So the first thing you need to figure out when you are buying something from a store is whether it is a product from a member holding company or a company that has been accredited for only one or two ingredients. Ensuring this gives you a better idea of its fair trade percentage.

Why Buy Fair Trade?

When products are certified fair trade, it helps nurture economies and communities around the world so that they can become more sustainable. The more fair trade products for sale, the more consumers can support these developing communities. When buying Kratom online, you need to ensure that the company you are working with guarantees that their chain of supply has ethical practices throughout. By partnering with a company that puts fair trade first, you know that the farmers and producers are treated and paid equally.