October 5, 2009 Written by Tracy Hepler
During the month of October, supporters of the Fair Trade movement educate and inform the public about the issues regarding Fair Trade. This year on YDT, were doing things a little differently. We’re proud to say that we have signed the petition to make The White House a Fair Trade home. We’re asking First Lady Michelle Obama to incorporate Fair Trade items (such as food, skincare, clothing, furniture etc) into the White House. We believe that The White House is an influential home in American society, and making it a Fair Trade home would be a great example for the rest of the nation to follow. We would like to ask you join us by also signing the petition and adding your name to the list of individuals who believe in the cause.
In addition, YDT will be devoting this week to Fair Trade topics so be sure to check in to see how you can find Fair Trade goods around you.
We’d also like to encourage you to take part in Fair Trade Month. On their website you can find 31/days and 31/ways you can learn a new action to help support Fair Trade.
While we’ve covered Fair Trade extensively on YDT, we’ve included a mini refresher below incase you’re new or have forgotten a few things. Be sure to check out our “Best of Fair Trade on YDT” post as well.
What is Fair Trade?
The Short of it: Fair Trade means that the people who made the product you are buying were paid “fairly” and generally treated with dignity.
The Long of it:
1. Payment of a fair price to the artist, as defined by the local context.
2. Safe and healthy working conditions (think anti-sweat shops).
3. Gender equity – promoting women’s’ rights.
4. Direct, long-term relationships with producers, including advance payment and pre-harvest loans (often connected with micro-financing).
5. Re-investment in communities – promoting health care, education, etc.
6. Democratically run cooperatives.
7. Environmental responsibility.
8. Transparency & accountability.
9. Some organizations, like Ten Thousand Villages, offer technical assistance, market information and product development support.
10. Customers in “the West” (developed world) gain access to and appreciation for Fair Trade products from “the South” (underdeveloped world).
For more information on World Fair Trade Organization.
Images Via: Fair Trade Month, Fair Trade the White House, Transfair and Autonomieproject
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