Ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is power... and a big, happy heart! More and more people are starting to question where their products come from. Were the workers treated fairly? Were they paid proper wages? Were harsh chemicals used in the production process? How does this purchase effect those involved in the production? Will my purchase make a difference?
Fair Trade: Organizations like The Fair Trade Federation, Trans Fair USA, The Fair Trade Resource Network, and The World Fair Trade Organization work to oversee companies, certify products, promote and educate consumers about Fair Trade. The main aims of Fair Trade are to:
- Alleviate poverty.
- Practice anti-slavery and anti-child labor principles.
- Promote sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices.
- Promote a healthy, safe working environment and wages for producers.
- Promote gender equality.
- Preserve native arts through independent artisans, small family businesses, community cooperatives and large-scale fair trade exporters.
- Educate and empower disadvantaged producers by fostering long-term trading relationships that are traceable and transparent.
- Foster community development leading to self-sustainability.
...a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, which seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South. Fair trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.Local: While it is important to support Fair Trade goods so that communities across the globe become self-sustaining, we must not forget the local talent in our own backyards. This includes, but is most definitely not limited to musical artists, fine artists, craft gurus and creative visionaries. Eat out at a local restaurant, visit a local co-operative grocery store and farmer's market or buy a locally crafted painting! Support the local economy and get to know your neighbors, artists, business owners and farmers.
Supporting local economies keeps local character and sense of community intact, while nationwide chains displace cherished locally-owned businesses. According to Jeff Milchen of Homegrown El Paso and co-founder of the American Independent Business Alliance: "Publicity for a chain 'superstore' may boast that it will create 300 new jobs, but numerous studies indicate they displace as many jobs as they create. And when communities like Barnstable, Massachussets studied the local impact of chains, they concluded such development actually costs more taxpayer dollars to support in safety and services than the community would reap. A 2003 economic impact study in Austin, Texas by Civic Economics (commissioned by the Austin Independent Business Alliance), concluded for every $100 spent at a chain, $13 remained in the community while $45 remained when spent with hometown businesses."
Organic: Not much to say here, other than get rid of the chemicals, genetically-modified organisms and pesticides you put in your body, including factory-farmed meat. You can also read more at Organic Consumers Association. Check out previous blog posts on why making more meals vegetarian is totally cool for everyone!
Last but not least, do what you can. Nobody's perfect.
“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” -Helen Keller
“Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have.” -Margaret Mead
