Eco Living Series
Fair Trade for All?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Fair Trade
When someone says “Fair Trade”, what immediately comes to mind? Is it third-world countries? Do you picture workers in cramped quarters? What pictures do you have in your head?
Many of us think we know what “Fair Trade” is and most of what we think is on target. However, it is likely not comprehensive.
According to Wikipedia, “Fair trade is a financial relationship between producers, sellers, and consumers based on the principle of equity within the exchange of goods. Equity is achieved via creating a platform for trade that is transparent and therefore accountable for the just treatment of all producers. This includes providing market avenues that allow marginalized producers the opportunity to sell, ensuring humane working conditions, and all the while protecting environmental and cultural factors that play into the production process.“
While this is quite a lengthy definition, it does give us a deeper sense of the term. Companies, such as mine, are concerned with fair trade particularly as it relates to the making of commercial goods for sale in the Western world. However, because of the demand for these items, we don’t seem to take much notice in how our purchase impacts the lives of the workers and/or our environment. Since I’m equally committed to preserving the planet, it only stands to reason that they both go hand in hand.
Fair trade equals eco-friendly products.
This is because these products are usually handcrafted and are made out of materials that are typically not endangered. Most of the time, they are being made with little or no electricity, and employing methods that have been handed down from generation to generation.
People are paid wages that are fair. Usually items to be sold to the Western world, with the help of one of the many trade organizations helping them, can bring their designs to a more commercial state. These items are made in local villages where the family is kept intact as opposed to separating family members by forcing them to look for jobs in the big industrial cities working in mechanized factories. The conditions for most are deplorable and truly sub-human; for women it is especially hard because most are left to fend for themselves in unsafe situations (i.e. being forced to make the choice between making money and feeding their family, and keeping their morals intact).
We can do our part to help these people live healthier and better lives by being mindful of what we are buying. In my business, I am a proponent of creating “Slow Homes” through the careful research for Home Furnishing Accessories which are manufactured with fair trade in mind then to be sold by our company. We are successful due to my strong connection and belief that keeping the commitment to eco-living and Fair Trade go hand in hand.
The products they produce are absolutely gorgeous and so skillfully crafted, with such attention to detail not found in the majority of shelf items found in most large chain stores.
My plea to you is to become aware of the challenges that are out there for most of the people living in other countries. Support any product that is Hand Made especially if it is made here in America or in any other countries. Think about how you spend your money and the importance of putting those dollars in the right places.
How do you support Fair Trade and/or Eco-Living?
When someone says “Fair Trade”, what immediately comes to mind? Is it third-world countries? Do you picture workers in cramped quarters? What pictures do you have in your head?
Many of us think we know what “Fair Trade” is and most of what we think is on target. However, it is likely not comprehensive.
According to Wikipedia, “Fair trade is a financial relationship between producers, sellers, and consumers based on the principle of equity within the exchange of goods. Equity is achieved via creating a platform for trade that is transparent and therefore accountable for the just treatment of all producers. This includes providing market avenues that allow marginalized producers the opportunity to sell, ensuring humane working conditions, and all the while protecting environmental and cultural factors that play into the production process.“
While this is quite a lengthy definition, it does give us a deeper sense of the term. Companies, such as mine, are concerned with fair trade particularly as it relates to the making of commercial goods for sale in the Western world. However, because of the demand for these items, we don’t seem to take much notice in how our purchase impacts the lives of the workers and/or our environment. Since I’m equally committed to preserving the planet, it only stands to reason that they both go hand in hand.
Fair trade equals eco-friendly products.
This is because these products are usually handcrafted and are made out of materials that are typically not endangered. Most of the time, they are being made with little or no electricity, and employing methods that have been handed down from generation to generation.
People are paid wages that are fair. Usually items to be sold to the Western world, with the help of one of the many trade organizations helping them, can bring their designs to a more commercial state. These items are made in local villages where the family is kept intact as opposed to separating family members by forcing them to look for jobs in the big industrial cities working in mechanized factories. The conditions for most are deplorable and truly sub-human; for women it is especially hard because most are left to fend for themselves in unsafe situations (i.e. being forced to make the choice between making money and feeding their family, and keeping their morals intact).
We can do our part to help these people live healthier and better lives by being mindful of what we are buying. In my business, I am a proponent of creating “Slow Homes” through the careful research for Home Furnishing Accessories which are manufactured with fair trade in mind then to be sold by our company. We are successful due to my strong connection and belief that keeping the commitment to eco-living and Fair Trade go hand in hand.
The products they produce are absolutely gorgeous and so skillfully crafted, with such attention to detail not found in the majority of shelf items found in most large chain stores.
My plea to you is to become aware of the challenges that are out there for most of the people living in other countries. Support any product that is Hand Made especially if it is made here in America or in any other countries. Think about how you spend your money and the importance of putting those dollars in the right places.
How do you support Fair Trade and/or Eco-Living?
