Fair Trade Month: Toward Ethical Business Practices
October is Fair Trade Month in the United States and Canada. This month-long annual observance promotes equitable global trade and the movement's importance. Businesses, consumers, and advocates come together to highlight the value of fair trade products. Let us take this chance to ponder the impact of our buying choices. Read on to learn more.
Featured in: October - Awareness Months, Days & Observances.
Why Fair Trade Month Matters
The Fair Trade movement aims to guarantee a fair price for producers in developing nations. It also champions sustainable farming practices that respect our planet. These practices curb harmful chemicals and promote biodiversity, helping mitigate climate change.
Moreover, the standards set by this model promote sustainable livelihoods by empowering small-scale farmers and artisans and providing them with essential tools and training to improve their businesses.
In addition, Fair Trade also ensures that women have access to fair trade markets, a crucial step towards gender parity in global trade. Choosing Fair Trade products helps ensure better wages and working conditions for their workers while also fighting child labor.
Through transparent supply chains, consumers are more knowledgeable about what they buy. This month-long celebration is crucial to empower more people with their choices. For a more in-depth read, check our article on buying Fairtrade.
How to Support Fair Trade
- Purchase products with a Fair Trade Certified label. The label certifies that goods have been produced under fair labor conditions and that the farmers and artisans involved in the production process have been paid a fair wage.
- Support businesses that advocate for fair trade, such as local shops, online retailers, and even certain restaurants and cafes. Consumers can help promote fair trade practices by spending money at these businesses. As a starting point, check items in our lists of recommended fairtrade coffee, clothes, and shoes.
- Educate others about fair trade by sharing information on social media, hosting educational events, or simply discussing the topic with friends and family.
- Donate to organizations that promote fair trade. Numerous non-profit organizations work tirelessly to promote fair trade and ensure that producers in developing countries are treated fairly.
- Advocate for fair trade policies by contacting local representatives, signing petitions, or participating in protests or marches. By doing so, we can help bring about systemic change.
Data and Statistics
As of this writing, the Fairtrade system comprises over 1,900 producer organizations that employ 2 million farmers and workers.
A 2023 survey found that 72% of global respondents trust the Fairtrade label, a steady 26% increase since 2021. Around 85% of American shoppers in the USA reported that a Fairtrade label enhances their view of a brand.
Among consumers familiar with Fairtrade, 2 out of 3 prefer retailers stocking certified products. Coffee and chocolate are the most recognized Fairtrade-certified products; consumers are willing to pay up to 35% and 55% more, respectively.
Brief Timeline of Fair Trade Month
Ten Thousand Villages, the first fair trade shop in the U.S., opens by selling handicrafts from Puerto Rico.
Fair trade organizations start in Europe. Oxfam UK begins selling crafts made by Chinese refugees.
Fairtrade organizations form to establish a certification process for fair trade products.
The Netherlands imports fair trade coffee from cooperatives in Guatemala.
The Max Havelaar Foundation was established in the Netherlands, and the first fair trade certification label was launched.
Fairtrade International (FLO) is established and unites various national initiatives under one international umbrella.
FLO launches its international Fairtrade Certification Mark.
Global Exchange starts Fair Trade Month in the U.S. to increase awareness of fair trade's impact.
FLO establishes the first international fair trade standards for honey, coffee, bananas, and tea.
The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) organizes the first World Trade Day, celebrated worldwide.
The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) and WFTO launch the first International Fair Trade Towns campaign.
Fair Trade USA, formerly TransFair USA, breaks away from FLO, creating its certification system.
FLO changes its certification mark to the familiar blue and green logo.
Fair Trade Campaigns launches the first National Fair Trade Colleges & Universities program in the U.S.
Fairtrade International introduces the Fairtrade Textile Standard and Program.
Fairtrade International launches a new global strategy, "Changing Trade, Changing Lives."
Fairtrade International celebrates 30 years of the Fairtrade Mark. Consumers use the mark to know whether a product was made according to rigorous, fair trade standards.
Fairtrade America and Fairtrade Canada partner to celebrate Fairtrade Month.
Conclusion
October marks Fair Trade Month, highlighting the significance of ethical shopping and the impact of consumer choices on global economies. It reminds us of the importance of conscious purchasing decisions in bringing about a more balanced and equitable world.
As consumers, choose Fairtrade and help build a world where farmers and workers can sit at the same table.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
This month-long event aims to raise awareness about fair trade principles and practices.
It promotes social and environmental sustainability by ensuring fair wages and working conditions for producers.
You can buy Fair Trade Certified products/Fairtrade Certified Products and educate others about its benefits.
Common Fair Trade products include coffee, chocolate, tea, fruits, and handicrafts.
It provides them with fair wages, empowers communities, and promotes sustainable practices.
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
