Did you know that World Fairtrade Day is coming up this weekend? Every second Saturday in May the festival launches with an aim to spread awareness, educate and to provide a “tangible contribution to sustainable development, especially the economic empowerment of small producers, gender equality in workplaces and responsible production practices.” (World Fairtrade Day 2019). Its a celebration led by its members of the Fairtrade Enterprises, and a campaign we think you should get involved with. Here are just three little reasons why you should shop fair trade, and how your support can help to shape a future we all want to see.
Shopping Fairtrade is easy
We all want to make a mark in this world, and most of us want the impact of that to be positive. Shopping fair trade is just one way that you can ensure you are making a difference in the lives of many- and it’s easy to do.
Fairtrade is unique. We work with businesses, consumers and campaigners. Farmers and workers have an equal say in everything we do. Empowerment is at the core of who we are. We have a vision: a world in which all producers can enjoy secure and sustainable livelihoods, fulfill their potential and decide on their future. Our mission is to connect disadvantaged farmers and workers with consumers, promote fairer trading conditions and empower farmers and workers to combat poverty, strengthen their position and take more control over their lives.
World Fairtrade Day Organisation
Shopping Fairtrade means that the products you buy have come from a company who adheres to fair social, economic and environmental standards- and shopping this way is actually a lot easier than you think. There are currently over 4,500 Fairtrade products, so chances are you’re already buying a lot already.
Shopping fairtrade means that you are directly supporting the more than 1.66 million farmers and workers who currently participate. This ensures that these farmers and workers are paid a fair wage, have a fair standard of living and are using sustainable crops. It’s better for the workers and better for the planet too. Read more about shopping fairtrade, how your purchase improves lives and what to look for when you buy.
The UK is one of the world’s leading Fairtrade markets, with more products and more awareness of Fairtrade than anywhere else. Almost one in three bananas sold in the UK is Fairtrade. Fairtrade sales in 2012 were £1.57bn.
Fairtrade Foundation
Shopping fairtrade makes a difference to lives
As we’ve already touched on, one of the most vital aspects of shopping fairtrade is the support you are giving to the people who worked to produce that item for you. Shopping fairtrade means that you’re helping to improve the welfare of the workers, supporting standards put in place to reduce poverty and to
guard against inhumane working conditions. This alone is surely worth the extra few seconds it takes to seek out the Fairtrade logo on your favourite items in the supermarket!
Safer working conditions, alongside the complete ban of child and slave labour means that the people producing the products you buy are not being exploited simply to bring you your weekly groceries. It means that smaller farmers are protected against larger corporations who can afford to sell at a lower price. In addition, the funds generated by fairtrade license fees are given back to the communities, which means that social, economic and environmental projects can be developed to further improve quality of life. Scholarships, training schemes and organic certifications ensure that communities are able to thrive- and your purchases contribute towards this.
Here at Little Soap HQ we believe so strongly in the power of change. In education and awareness so that our future generations not only grow into a better world, but are part of shaping it too.
Shopping fairtrade safeguards the planet
Fair Trade is more than just trading: it proves that greater justice in world trade is possible. It highlights the need for change in the rules and practice of conventional trade and shows how a successful business can also put people first.“
World Fairtrade Organisation Europe
By putting the people first, Fairtrade also recognises the importance of safeguarding the planet for generations to come too. Organisations that produce fairtrade products are required to use materials that are sustainably sourced and local wherever possible. Manufacturing processes seek to limit energy consumption, using renewable energy sources if possible, and keeping greenhouse gases to an absolute minimum.
Fairtrade producers seek to keep their impact on our environment as low as possible, using organic or low levels of pesticides, with production methods monitored closely to ensure that they meet requirements necessary to limit damage to our planet. Each organisation also seeks to use recycled or easily biodegradable materials for packing, and opt out of air transport wherever possible too. If this doesn’t convince you that shopping fairtrade is a necessity too, what else will?
So, will you be supporting Fairtrade Day on Saturday? Will you choose to shop fairtrade beyond this weekend too? This year’s focus is on innovation and we encourage each and every one of you to get behind if it you can. Look for the Fairtrade logo, source Fairtrade products here, be a part of the change we need.
