support fair trade to help end poverty

Another way to help people in impoverished places is to support fair trade practices.



According to the Fair Trade Federation:

Fair trade is a system of exchange that seeks to create greater equity and partnership in the international trading system by

• Providing fair wages in the local context,
• Supporting safe, healthy, and participatory workplaces,
• Supplying financial and technical support to build capacity,
• Promoting environmental sustainability,
• Respecting cultural identity,
• Offering public accountability and transparency,
• Building direct and long-term relationships, and
• Educating consumers.

FTF members foster partnerships with producers, because they know these connections are a highly effective way to help producers help themselves. Fair trade is not about charity. It is a holistic approach to trade and development that aims to alter the ways in which commerce is conducted, so that trade can empower the poorest of the poor. Fair Trade Organizations seek to create sustainable and positive change in developing and developed countries.

October happens to be Fair Trade Month (of course, we should support it year round!). You can purchase fair trade certified goods at the following shops:

• Global Exchange
• World of Good
• Ten Thousand Villages