In December 1996 I visited a tea plantation in the mountainous region of Sri Lanka. I caught a glimpse of the plight of women who toil so I could enjoy an ordinary cup of tea. Women pick and carry nearly 80 pounds of tea leaves on their backs each day, and are paid less than $2.00 for a day’s work. These women are under-nourished, live in overcrowded one-room row “houses,” and do not always have money to send their children to school. Surely, I thought, business does not have to be conducted in this way. I decided that if my fondness of tea were contributing to such unfair living conditions, I would not drink another cup of tea again. Thanks to Fair Trade, I have not given up my favourite cup of tea …
What is Fair Trade?
The price of exports such as coffee, sugar, tea, etc. from developing countries can be very unpredictable. The world market price for such products often falls below the cost of production, resulting in losses for small-scale local producers (i.e. farmers). Fair Trade is a response to what many consider as ‘unfair’ international trade practices.
Fair Trade is a way of doing business. It is about putting people first – not maximizing profits at the expense of human dignity. What makes this market tool unique is that it is based on individual choice: consumers voluntarily purchase Fair Trade products because they believe workers should be paid a fair price for their products and labour.
The goal of Fair Trade is to allow workers and producers to make a decent wage.
Fair Trade Principles
Fair Trade, a strategy for alleviating poverty, is based on the following principles:
- Opportunities are created for economically disadvantaged producers
- A fair price is determined through dialogue
- Respect is the basis of trade partnerships
- Working environments are safe and healthy
- Producers are encouraged to become independent
What and where to buy?
More and more Fair Trade products are appearing in Canada; in fact, sales in Fair Trade products have grown by 50% in Canada since 1999, and the diversity of products is increasing rapidly.
Although the most common products are coffee, tea and cocoa products (hot chocolate, chocolate bars), the following products are available: jam, nuts, granola bars, sugar, furniture, carpets, ceramics, dishes, artisan crafts, candle holders, children’s toys, clothing, purses, jewellery, paper products, Christmas ornaments, pillows, soap, lotion, musical instruments, flower pots, etc.
Fair Trade products can be purchased across Canada, from large urban centres to small villages. Many local grocery stores carry Fair Trade coffee, tea, sugar and chocolate products: look in the organic aisle of Loblaws. Fair Trade merchandise can also be purchased online.
How do I know if it’s Fair Trade?
The Fair Trade strategy works because goods are labelled, or identified, as “Fair Trade” products. Several Fair Trade labels exist, but the one most Canadians are familiar with is the TransFair label (http://www.transfair.ca/). The TransFair label tells consumers that the product respects Fair Trade principles, thus certifying that the purchase is contributing to improving the lives of producers in impoverished nations.
How can I participate?
You can participate in making a difference in the lives of people in developing nations:
- Learn to recognize common Fair Trade labels
- Know which Fair Trade products are available in your community
- Buy Fair Trade products whenever possible. If you can’t buy Fair Trade products locally, consider ordering by mail
- Ask your local coffee shop and favourite restaurant to offer Fair Trade coffee and tea
- Ask your local grocer to sell Fair Trade food products
- Become involved with local Fair Trade initiatives
- Tell friends and family why you think Fair Trade can help create a more just global economy
- Celebrate World Fair Trade Day on May 13, 2006 (http://www.wftday.org/english/index.htm)
- Buy only Fair Trade gifts (housewarmings, birthdays, hostess gifts, etc.)
- Drink Fair Trade coffee and tea at work
Although Fair Trade purchases can easily be made in large urban centres, they can be purchased from anywhere: all you need is the internet. The world is truly becoming a global village – and I am reminded of that every time I sit in my Fair Trade living room chair.
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Where to buy
To know where to buy Fair Trade in Canada, see: http://www.transfair.ca/www/en/products/
To know which organizations are permitted to use the TransFair logo on their products, see: http://www.transfair.ca/en/licenseelist/
Ten Thousand Villages: http://www.tenthousandvillages.ca/
Links
The Canadian Fair Trade Network: http://www.fairtradenetwork.ca/
TransFair Canada: http://www.transfair.ca/
Fair Trade Resource Network: http://www.fairtraderesource.org/
International Fair Trade Association (IFAT): http://www.ifat.org/
World Fair Trade Day (May 13, 2006) : http://www.wftday.org/english/index.htm
FairTrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO): http://www.fairtrade.net/