21. Support Fair Trade

“Farmers can’t take care of the environment on an empty stomach.” —Juanita Baltodano, Costa Rican coffee farmer

BACKGROUND

The agricultural regions of Africa, Latin America, and Asia are some of the most ecologically sensitive areas in the world. The people who live and farm there are also some of the world’s poorest. These small-scale farmers have traditionally been good stewards of the land, cultivating crops in ways that protect soil and water, and provide habitat for wildlife. The problem is that the majority of them struggle to put food on their tables, keep a roof over their family’s heads, and send their children to school. The only way they can afford to keep protecting the Earth for us is if they have a secure market for what they grow or make, and can earn a decent wage at it. By buying Fair Trade Certified™ products, you give them that opportunity.

DID YOU KNOW

• Here’s how Fair Trade works: Wholesalers in the U.S. and Europe pay farmers a premium price for their goods. (More than $100 million in additional income has gone directly back to these farms since 1998.) The farmers, in turn, agree to uphold certain environmental, economic and social standards. Consumers show their support by looking for the Fair Trade Certified label when they shop.
• In 2006, worldwide sales of Fair Trade Certified products were an estimated $2.3 billion, directly benefiting more than 1.4 million farmers and farm workers in 60 developing countries.
• Environmental standards are a big part of the system. Most Fair Trade products are organic, while the standards prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and call for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce chemical pesticides. Sustainable farming methods ensure soil fertility while protecting farmers’ health and preserving valuable ecosystems for the future.
• Fair Trade Certified products are sold at more than 45,000 outlets in the U.S. Biggest sellers: coffee and chocolate. Tea, sugar, rice, bananas, flowers, honey, and wine are also popular.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Your Partner: TransFair USA, the only independent, third-party certifier of Fair Trade Certified products in the U.S. They guarantee Fair Trade transactions. See FairTradeCertified.org
Your Goal: Support small-scale farmers in developing countries by building consumer demand for Fair Trade products.

START SIMPLE

• Look for the Fair Trade Certified label when you buy coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar, vanilla, bananas, and rice. And request Fair Trade coffee at cafés. Going to Starbucks? Their Fair Trade Certified coffee is called Cafe Estima—ask for some. McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts offer Fair Trade Certified coffee, too. Ask for it.
• Download a copy of Co-op America’s Guide to Fair Trade. It’s got all the details: coopamerica.org/PDF/GuideFairTrade.pdf

STEPS FOR SUCCESS

Step 1. Adopt a supermarket with friends, co-workers, or members of your congregation. Speak to the store manager on a regular basis and ask for more Fair Trade products. Plus, each time you shop, fill out customer comment cards asking for them. (P.S. Don’t forget to shop at stores that do carry Fair Trade products.)

Step 2. Bring beliefs and practice together. Adopt Fair Trade Certified coffee, cocoa, tea, and sugar at your place of worship. There are already thousands of faith groups serving Fair Trade refreshments at congregation events.

Step 3. Have a party. Host a house party/product tasting with Fair Trade Certified products. (It doesn’t have to be in a house.) Turn your friends and neighbors on to Equal Exchange Roasted Almonds or Dagoba Chocolate while you educate them about Fair Trade. Good ideas at transfairusa.org/content/support/HP.php

Step 4. Make Your Town a “Fair Trade Town.” Modeled after Europe’s successful Fair Trade Towns movement, TransFair USA’s campaign helps you organize locally to make Fair Trade products the standard in the U.S.—one community at a time. For more info, visit www.transfairusa.org/content/support/Fair_trade-resolutions.php#fttowns For more resources: 50simplethings.com/fairtrade