In 1946, the roots of fair trade began with Edna Ruth Byler of MCC. Her work grew into Ten Thousand Villages (visit tenthousandvillages.com), which opened its first shop in 1958. Many producers and traders over the past 30 years have incorporated into the FTF (Fair Trade Federation), FLO (Fair Trade Labeling Organization), FTO (Fair Trade Organization), and IFAT (International Fair Trade Association). When you are shopping please look for the Fair Trade Certified and Fair Trade Federation labels. (For more information on the history of fair trade please visit fairtraderesource.org )

We can all benefit from fair trade. The producers benefit because they are paid fairly and work in safe conditions, the consumer benefits by purchasing products that are high quality and fairly priced, and the world benefits because poverty is reduced. Poverty is the root cause of slavery and wars/conflicts. The people who are most at risk from poverty, slavery, and wars/conflicts are women and children. Fair trade advocates women’s rights and the highest percentage of microloan recipients and fair trade entrepreneurs are women.

Fair trade organizations work in partnership with local ngo’s (non-governmental organizations), community associations, producers, exporters, governmental institutions, multilateral organizations, foundations, corporations, individuals, designers, importers and retailers. The producers are provided with technical and design assistance, production management, business training, direct marketing assistance, structure and support. Long term relationships are a strong indicator of how well this system works. The results show that sustainable and fair business practices are good for everyone.

The beauty of fair trade revolves around economic justice. Fair wages and fair treatment are promoted and advocated. The products are environmentally sustainable, respecting cultural traditions and natural resources. The quality of life is improved for the producers through fair wages and safe working conditions. Because the products are earth-friendly, everyone’s quality of life is improved—growers use natural fertilizers, artisans use natural resources, and many products are made from recycled materials. The fair trade regulations conform to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Oxfam (one of my favorite organizations), and Amnesty International are two of the reliable organizations ensuring that child labor is avoided and slavery is banned; children are encouraged to attend school and vocational training programs.

Producers, products and sellers are screened and monitored, insuring that the buyer receives a product that upholds fair trade regulations. The well-being of the producers is also monitored by field staff, consultants and partner organizations.

List of some of the products offered through fair trade:
clothing
shoes
soccer balls
coffee
tea
sugar
cocoa
artwork
bags
beauty products
home goods
fresh fruit
quinoa
cotton
wine
fresh flowers
juice
rice
vanilla
spices and herbs
nuts
jewelry
furniture

List of some growers, retailers and organizations:
adifferentapproach.com
aidthroughtrade.com
altereco.com
basketafrica.com
itscactus.com
bluemoon.org
brazilarts.com
bridgeforafrica.org
canaanfairtrade.com
casabonampak.com
cheppu.com
creativewomen.net
whycfm.org
edimports.com
divinechocolateusa.com
essentiallivingfoods.com
farfetched.com
fairtradefederation.org
fairtraderesource.org
forestsoftheworld.com
geckotraders.com
georgettes.org
globalexchange.org
globalmamas.org
gogreengiraffe.com
guayaki.com
handmadeexpressions.net
highergroundstrading.com
i-at.com
jamtown.com
laarsenassociates.com
lavidaverde.com
larrybeans.com
lucuma.com
mandyspurses.com
matursuksema.com
mayatraditions.com
madebysurvivors.com
mirembekawomera.com
ojobacollective.com
oneworldprojects.com
originalsfromafrica.com
oryana.coop
pampeana.net
promisinggrowth.com
rainforestnative.com
ramona5.com
rupalee.com
sambazon.com
sevya.com
solfairtrade.com
spiralfoundation.org
sustainablethreads.com
swahiliwholesale.com
tenthousandvillages.com
thanksgivingcoffee.com
tibetcollectionws.com
tokoloshe.ca
transfairusa.org  (flowers) also 1-800-flowers—fair trade section
uniquebatik.us
unityfairtrade.com
wildboarcreek.com
worldfinds.com
worldofgood.com
yachanagourmet.com
zen-zen.com

Thank you!

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