Fair Trade Month is about supporting businesses that are fair trade certified. Fair Trade businesses seek to create a more equal international trade system through increased respect and transparency. This puts an emphasis on trading fairly with businesses from developing countries. During this month, Americans are encouraged to #FindFairTrade through stores in their own communities or by purchasing through Fair Trade partners online.
Fair Trade Month aims to raise awareness of the reasons why fair trade is important, and to promote buying and using socially and commercially sustainable, fair trade products in place of commodities which may harm the environment, the economy, communities and disadvantaged individuals.
Fair Trade Month timeline
- 2002
The first World Fair Trade Day
The first World Fair Trade Day was celebrated as part of the World Fair Trade Movement.
- 1958
The first formal fair trade shop opened
Ten Thousand Villages, a retailer, became one of the first trade shops in the U.S.
- 1946
One of the first fair trade initiatives
Sales Exchange for Refugee Rehabilitation and Vocation (SERRV) started trading with poor communities in the South. It's seen as one of the first fair trade initiatives in the U.S.
3 Fair Trade Myths
It's charity
The relationships established as part of the fair trade movement are self-sufficient. Your money is not going to charity.
It's more expensive
Most fair trade items are competitively priced with American goods that are also handmade.
It takes away U.S. jobs
Most of the products and services offered through fair trade are not generally available in the U.S. or represented in the U.S. These products represent diversity, not replacement.
How to Observe Fair Trade Month
#FindFairTrade
During the month, you are encouraged to #FindFairTrade and buy from those businesses. Search for a list of retail stores and online shops.
Share fair trade resources
The actual definition of fair trade is confusing to many. Share resources from the Fair Trade Federation on your social media page or in your community to help others learn.
Become a fair trade federation member
You can become a member online if you are a business owner. This membership comes with benefits like a business community, annual conference, and other leadership opportunities.
Why Fair Trade Month is Important
It supports a fair system
The Fair Trade Federation endorses businesses operating under a higher standard of respect and transparency. This helps business owners and entrepreneurs in developing countries have a chance to succeed.
It's about creating opportunity
The fair trade system spreads this opportunity to developing nations and business people.
It's adventurous
Seek out new businesses that are Fair Trade certified and you'll stumble upon all kinds of international products that offer something you may not normally find.
Also on Tue Oct 1, 2024...
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