Fair Trade

Why Fair Trade? Creating Opportunities

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One thing I have struggled with as I have changed my shopping habits is explaining to people why choosing fair trade is worthwhile. I sometimes even have a hard time articulating what fair trade is. With this new series “Why Fair Trade?” I plan to share some of the main reasons that fair trade is important to me and how it makes a real and positive difference in people’s lives.

First, let’s start with a basic definition of fair trade:

What does that mean? Basically, fair trade is a way of doing business that is intentionally designed to be fair to all partners and lead to positive development for participating communities. To me, that sounds like how people and businesses should behave all the time, which is why fair trade is such an obvious choice for me.

So how do fair trade businesses help develop communities? One way is by…

Creating Opportunities for Economically and Socially Marginalized Producers

Fair trade businesses partner with artisans, farmers, cooperatives and other producer groups who are in some way marginalized or disadvantaged in the global marketplace. Producers could live in an impoverished area with few employment options or poor infrastructure, they could be workers gaining job skills after escaping domestic abuse or human trafficking, or they could be independently-owned farms competing with large corporate plantations. These are just a few examples of the types of producers who benefit from fair trade but may not otherwise have the ability to compete in the conventional marketplace.

By choosing to work with these types of producers, fair trade businesses offer workers a sustainable way to increase their income and quality of life. This development comes through safe and fair employment, not through charity, which helps communities break the cycle of poverty.

Beyond just creating an initial opportunity, fair trade businesses also help producers build their capacity by forming long-term partnerships and providing training on product design, finance, and other business skills.

Here is an example of how one fair trade business, Greenola, created opportunity for women to lift themselves out of poverty:

In Bolivia, Greenola collaborates with sewing cooperatives, particularly cooperatives of indigenous women, to create fun, fashionable clothing.

The women are doubly disadvantaged. Bolivian society often undervalues the worth of women in the workplace and many of their 50+ artisan partners have faced a lifetime of racism and discrimination because of their Quechua heritage. […]

Greenola has helped the women organize and provided start-up loans and regular orders so that the women could improve their own lives, receive a living wage, and be connected to the global market. Socially, Greenola also facilitates opportunities for the women to manage, operate, and innovate within their cooperatives.

Source: Fair Trade Federation

I hope that explanation sheds some light on how fair trade can truly improve lives. Do you have questions about fair trade? Let me know and I’ll try to answer them in a future post!

News Roundup: February 2014

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As you can see from this list, I did a lot of reading this month! Lots of good stuff to share, so read on!

Is my "right" to look cute worth supporting brands that treat other human beings poorly?

This question reflects my thought process perfectly. (Pinterest via Delightfully Tacky)

Tips for Ethical Shopping Abroad – A primer on trading kitschy souvenirs for more meaningful and ethical vacation purchases. (Melibee)

Can Fashion Be Both Cheap and Ethical? H&M Thinks So. – I was intrigued to see this article on the Glamour website—I’m not used to seeing ethical fashion covered in mainstream, consumer-focused fashion magazines. It’s not a hard-hitting article, but it raises important questions to an audience who perhaps haven’t considered them. (Glamour.com)

Dangerous Third-World Factories Made US Military-Logo Clothes, Report Says – A report from the International Labor Rights Forum says that clothing for U.S. military exchanges was being produced in the Tazreen factory in Bangladesh that caught fire and killed over 100 workers last year. (ABC News)

Public Eye Award Goes to Gap, Inc. – Greenpeace Switzerland and the Berne Declaration have given Gap, Inc. the 2014 Public Eye Award to highlight the company’s failure to sign the Bangladesh Fire & Building Safety Accord and its insistence on promoting a weak, non-binding alternative program. (Public Eye Awards)

Why We’re Saying No to Dirty Gold – This article describes the environmental and social impacts of conventional gold mining and offers resources for ethical alternatives such as recycled gold. (Triple Pundit)

The Note Passer – I have recently discovered this blog and there are so many helpful and insightful posts I don’t even know where to start. Elizabeth also keeps an extensive Resources section of ethical fashion, home, and finance options.

Objects with Meaning – This neat project from Zady invites readers to submit a photo and description of an object they hold particularly dear. The idea is to emphasize those objects with real value and de-emphasize meaningless “stuff.” (Zady)

Online Fashion Retailer, Accompany, Makes Ethical Shopping Easy – This profile on new ethical retailer Accompany made me question the relationship between trends and ethical production. If you click through to the Accompany site, you’ll see some wacky styles, and as ethically as they may have been produced, I can’t help but think the sheer trendiness of the garments makes them inherently unsustainable. What do you think about trendy “ethical” fashion? (Huffington Post)

Are We Witnessing the Rebirth of American Textile Manufacturing? – A New York Times article highlights increased demand for domestic production of textiles and apparel. (Modavanti)

Fair Tax makes its Mark – This article argues that corporate tax avoidance should be a key consideration when evaluating a company’s social responsibility and describes a new certification in the U.K. that businesses can get for paying their taxes fairly. (New Internationalist)

Sales & New Retailers

Hipcycle – This site features only products made from items diverted from landfills. They have funky, unique products made from circuit boards, tires, liquor bottles, records, railroad parts and more. They are not part of a fair trade organization, but according to their FAQ their products are made primarily by small businesses both in the U.S. and abroad, and each product page lists the country of origin.

Fair Indigo is clearing out their winter merchandise with some items discounted up to 75%. As you’ll recall from my previous post about fair trade sales, their stuff is legit—cute, high quality, versatile, practical. Don’t get me started on the organic dresses again…

Mayan Hands, a long-time member of the Fair Trade Federation, works with weavers in rural Guatemala to make beautiful tablecloths, scarves, pouches and more. Check out their sale section for savings on these lovely textiles.

Fair Trade Federation Conference Comes to Indianapolis

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Fair Trade Federation 2014 Annual Conference | April 1-3, Indianapolis, IN | Photo of Indianapolis downtown Monument Circle

I’m thrilled to be partnering with the Fair Trade Federation to spread the word about their 2014 Annual Conference, being held in my fair city of Indianapolis from April 1-3!

The FTF is a trade association for retailers, wholesalers and other organizations committed to fair trade, and a main focus of the conference is helping its members improve their business. However, the conference would be a valuable and educational experience for any fair trade enthusiast or those who want to learn what fair trade is all about. The conference also includes a documentary film premiere that is open to the public!

For the full details of the conference, read on for a guest post from Suzanne Cotter of the Fair Trade Federation.

Annual Conference on the Business of Fair Trade Coming to Indianapolis!

This year, the Fair Trade Federation (FTF) will be coming to Indianapolis, Indiana April 1-3 to connect entrepreneurs, students, and fair trade lovers at their annual conference on fair trade businesses in North America.

2014 marks 20 years since the organization’s official founding and kick-starts a special time for the organization. Along with a number of special guests and an expanded roster of sessions this year, the FTF will host the world premiere of “Connected by Coffee” — a documentary by Stone Hut Studios exploring how coffee farmers and coffee drinkers can work together to create a more just trading world. This highly-anticipated film is a must-see for anyone who loves coffee or who wants to learn more about global trade. The premiere will be held at the Athenaeum Foundation, Inc. Theater on April 2 at 8 pm and is open to the public. Tickets are $8 and will be on sale at Global Gifts locations in Indianapolis and online. (Tickets are FREE for Conference attendees.)

The conference will be held at the Embassy Suites in downtown Indianapolis and also features a Fair Trade Expo, a marketplace of FTF wholesale vendors exhibiting specialty foods, home décor, accessories, clothing, and more. The Expo – held Tuesday, April 1 from 4:45-6:45 and Wednesday, April 2 from 4:00- 6:00 – will give retail buyers an opportunity to make purchases in a relaxed atmosphere and to learn about the special work of FTF members. For more information, local retailers are encouraged to contact info@fairtradefederation.org.

“This is a really exciting year for us,” says Renee Bowers, Executive Director of the Fair Trade Federation. “We’re recognizing 20 years since FTF’s official founding and many decades of our members’ hard work.  It’s amazing to look back and see how far we’ve come.” The FTF is also looking forward to hosting in Indianapolis for the first time: “there are lots of wonderful fair trade businesses with supportive local communities in Indianapolis, including Imani Workshops, The Village Experience, and a number of Global Gifts store locations.”

Learn more & register at www.fairtradefederation.org/conference
Student pricing & complimentary tickets for media with press credentials!
Contact: Renee Bowers, Executive Director, Fair Trade Federation, info@fairtradefederation.org

I’m so proud and excited that Indianapolis is hosting this conference, which has the potential to raise significant awareness about fair trade among the Indy community. Stay tuned for more details as the conference gets closer!

Disclosure: As a media partner I am receiving complimentary access to the conference. I am receiving no other compensation for my promotion of this event.

Fair Trade Valentine’s Day Collection

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Whether you prefer Galentine’s Day with the ladies, Vamlumtime’s Day, or regular old Valentine’s Day, here’s a collection of fair trade and ethically-made items to help you celebrate:

Collection of fair trade Valentine's Day products in red and pink

  1. You Bacon Me Crazy card – Sanctuary Spring – Made in the Philippines by survivors of sex trafficking
  2. Polka Dot Loafer – American Apparel – Made in the USA
  3. Flowers Hand-woven Screen Print Pillow – Greenheart Shop – Handmade by the Bodo tribe in India
  4. Suerte Peruvian Necklace – Fair Trade Designs – Made by an artisan cooperative in Peru
  5. 70% Dark Chocolate with Raspberries – Divine Chocolate – Made with fair trade cocoa, sugar and vanilla
  6. Tagua Tiara Cuff – Fair Trade Designs – Made by craftspeople in Colombia
  7. Satin and Chevron Button Stud Set – Hearts – Handmade in the USA

What do you celebrate mid-February? Since it’s my birth month, I like to think of Valentine’s Day as the world’s pink-themed early birthday party for me. Whether you love it or hate it, I hope your Valentine’s Day is full of affection from your family and friends!

My Latest Fair Trade Purchases

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I love when I get the opportunity to easily sub out a fair trade purchase for a conventional one, especially when it’s something I know I’ll need to buy either way. I’ve had that opportunity several times recently, so I wanted to share my excitement!

1. Birthday cards for coworkers

Our department always recognizes birthdays (as we should, because birthdays are the best!). I had two coworkers with birthdays in January, and I volunteered for card duty so I could get them awesome cards from Sanctuary Spring, carried locally in Indianapolis by Global Gifts.

Sanctuary Spring greeting cards

Sanctuary Spring’s cards are crafted out of layers of handmade paper. They have fun, contemporary designs that are cool enough for your hipster friends but also appropriate for work or family members.

Back of Sanctuary Spring greeting cards signed by producers

The cards are made in the Philippines by women who have escaped prostitution, and each card is signed on the back by the woman who made it.

2. Veggies

I’ve been doing more grocery shopping at Whole Foods lately since my commute now takes me past one. The last two times I’ve been there I’ve discovered fair trade certified vegetables that I didn’t even know were certifiable.

Green peppers and green beans with the Fair Trade USA label

I had never seen fair trade green peppers or green beans before. Both were slightly more expensive than their conventional or organic counterparts, but not prohibitively so. I was excited to be able to spend an extra dollar or two to improve the lives of food producers in disadvantaged situations.

3. Holiday décor

Full disclosure: this was a “want,” not a “need.” I’m not usually one to hit up a lot of post-Christmas sales, but I was drawn to all of these items before the holidays, and after Christmas they were 75% off at Global Gifts. (Just like regular stores, fair trade stores often have post-Christmas sales where you can get great deals.) I took the deep discount as a sign that we were meant to be together.

Fair trade snowflake garland, star garland and star ornament

I was originally drawn to the garlands because they could work as year-round décor items, not just during the holidays. Both the red stars and silver “snowflakes” (which I think just look like shapes) would work either in my living room or bedroom.

Close-up of silver snowflake garland and red star garland

The Palm Leaf Star Garland, handmade by a women’s empowerment group in India, is still available on the Ten Thousand Villages website (though not on sale), along with several other cute garland designs. That particular gold star ornament appears to be sold out, but there are eight others left to choose from if you want to plan ahead for next year’s tree bling.

If you’re local, I highly recommend checking out Global Gifts to see what magical sale items they have left. If you live out in Internet Land, check out the Ten Thousand Villages clearance page instead for discounted gifts and holiday items.

What was your latest ethical purchase? Do you hit up post-Christmas sales for next year’s decorations?

News Roundup: January 2014

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This month I came across a couple of really eye-opening stories, one from a journalist who went undercover at a Bangladesh clothing factory, and one about the relationship between outsourced manufacturing and pollution at home. Read on for some thought-provoking material!

I got hired at a Bangladesh sweatshop. Meet my 9-year-old boss – This article reveals the troubling realities in one Bangladesh factory, including several young girls who do not attend school and envision their only future as moving up from thread-trimmers to sewing machine operators. My heart broke to think about this life being real for who knows how many thousands of girls in Bangladesh. (Toronto Star)

China’s exports linked to western U.S. air pollution – A new study shows that Chinese factories, often producing goods for American consumption, create pollution that blows across the Pacific to the Western U.S. (CNN)

Interview: Carry Somers of Pachacuti on the Fashion Revolution – This interview with Somers, the founder of a leading fair trade brand in the U.K., illuminates the business side of fair trade and the challenges that arise in the course of making ethical production a reality. Fascinating! (Triple Pundit)

Somers is also heading up Fashion Revolution Day (on April 24, 2014, the one-year anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh), a movement to “raise awareness of the true cost of fashion, show the world that change is possible, and celebrate all those involved in creating a more sustainable future.” This year’s theme is “Who Made Your Clothes?” Visit the Fashion Revolution site to see ways to get involved. I’m considering doing one of the videos they suggest!

The History of Fabric Dye – Zady occasionally publishes short articles on the history of various aspects of clothing production, which I find fascinating. This article covers the history of fabric dye, from ancient natural dyes to modern synthetic ones. (Zady)

Ghirardelli: Love is in the label. Make it Fair Trade! – An easy way to support fair trade! This petition asks Ghirardelli to use fair trade certified cocoa in their chocolate. (Global Exchange)

And to end on an uplifting note, via Pinterest:

Even the smallest voice can make a difference in a big wayWhat are you reading this month? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!

 

Great Intentions: Get Fit and Lose Weight

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Title image with woman doing yogaIt’s been almost two weeks since I introduced my new blog series in my post A Year of Great Intentions. Today, I am officially starting the first category of this series, with the topic Get Fit and Lose Weight. When I was writing that last blog, I had just begun taking yoga classes and I was loving it. Later this week I will be checking out a new studio with friends to continue with my practice.

As a reminder, this year is about having great intentions and following through with them so that you will be satisfied with the time you have in this life. Getting fit might mean you will have to purchase some new apparel and gear. Intending to do great things for ourselves has the potential to lead to doing good for others, such as shopping ethically. Below are ethical products I found for three common workouts.

Yoga & Pilates
Studios usually have blocks, straps, and other props available for students to use. Many also rent mats so you do not have to purchase one, especially for your first time. If you are going to practice yoga or Pilates at home, check out thrift shops in order to purchase and then reuse mats and other gear. Or, shop online. YogaAccessories.com has a strict fair trade policy, and sells everything you will need for yoga and Pilates, including kits with the essentials.

Running/Walking
New Balance is an American company that sells American-made or -assembled running and walking shoes. On their website, there is the option to shop for “Made in the USA” shoes, socks, t-shirts, and other apparel. These are produced using at least 70% domestic material.

If you have been a runner for a long time, you might have your favorite brand or style and are now wondering how New Balance might match up. Do not fret. Runner’s World had six pairs – both men’s and women’s styles – of New Balance shoes in their Winter 2013 Shoe Guide.

Hiking
First of all, I haven’t been able to find a store that sells ethically-made hiking boots for serious hikers, but Oliberté is a shoe company that sells somewhat rugged boots for men and women. Made in African countries, the shoes are made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, and the company is open about their ethical practices.

Secondly, you cannot go on a hike without some form of hydration and comfortable clothing. This filtering water bottle is Made in the USA and these cold-beverage bottles are made by EarthLust, a Certified B Corporation.

Finally, WOMbat sells men’s and women’s outerwear and has a strong ethical policy, and PrAna sells a few basic Fair Trade Certified t-shirts for men. Later this year, keep an eye out for Patagonia’s new Fair Trade Certified fall line!

I wish you all the best in your fitness pursuits this year. Moreover, I hope that you think about any purchases you need for those pursuits primarily from an ethical standpoint. What fitness activities do you enjoy and are going for this year? Swimming? Dance? Rock climbing? Please contact us if you have any leads on ethically-made products for your fitness routine!

Fair Trade Sales & Deals

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When I began fair trade shopping several years ago, I experienced a little sticker shock. I was a college student who wasn’t used to paying full price for anything, let alone the “true” full price charged by many fair trade retailers.

It’s not a big secret that fair trade items are sometimes more expensive than their conventional counterparts. It makes sense: when workers are paid a living wage, that cost gets added to the final price of the product. What is a secret is that fair trade items can often be just as affordable (or more affordable) than conventional items.

One way that I eased into buying fair trade—and a practice I still follow today—was to take advantage of sales and deals. Just like any other stores, fair trade shops have periodic sales to clear out old merchandise or promotions to attract more customers. In 2014, I want to share more of these sales with you to help you find ethical goods that are just as affordable as conventional ones.

Fair Indigo, one of my favorite ethical retailers, has frequent sales and happens to be having their big winter sale right now. They sell a mix of fair trade, made in USA, and organic items.

Fair Trade Sales & Deals header with Fair Indigo product images

There’s plenty of cold weather left, so perhaps you could use a cozy recycled fiber cardigan or knit blazer. Or if you’re preparing for spring, check out their adorable organic cotton dresses. (I have professed my love for these before and I will do it again and again, occasionally in song.) Some of the sale prices are even lower than what you would find in a regular store.

Items shown above with sale prices:

  1. Fair Indigo Organic Pima Cotton Circle Neck Dress – $29.99 (50% off)
  2. Green 3 Apparel Reclaimed Tan Collage Skirt – $29.99 (40% off)
  3. World Finds Fair Trade Gold Cuff Bracelet – $16.99 (10% off)
  4. Ethos Paris Organic Cropped Knit Fair Trade Jacket – $39.99 (60% off)
  5. Imagine Hardware Necklace – $9.99 (70% off)

Now that I see them all together, they make a nice little mix-and-match set, don’t they? And don’t worry: when you buy a fair trade item on sale, the maker of that item has already been paid a fair price. It’s the retailer who takes any losses.

What are you shopping for right now? Are you getting ready for spring or still layering on sweaters? (After the Polar Vortex every 30-degree day feels like picnic weather to me.)

A Year of Great Intentions

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A Year of Great Intentions header image

Laura is back on the blog today introducing her new series about new year’s intentions and ethical ways to fulfill them. —Julia

We are into the second week of January, and I just returned home from back-to-back yoga classes. This year, I decided for the first time ever to set new year’s resolutions. One I actually set a few months back, when I decided I needed to travel to Europe in 2014. I am planning on visiting Tuscany and Rome for two weeks in the fall and already have a couple travel books from my favorite travel author, a list of cities I want to visit, and a preliminary budget. My second resolution is to get into a fitness routine. I tried out yoga a couple times in the summer and really loved it, and then found a great beginner’s deal at a yoga studio. I postponed signing up to due to two consecutive foot injuries, but now I am currently acting out this resolution.

As I was thinking about my resolutions in December, I had a question pop into mind. What if one of my resolutions had something to do with fair trade shopping? What if I could make ethical choices when making preparations to fulfill my resolutions?

Recently, my friends and I came up with this concept: that a resolution in the new year can be re-phrased to “being more intentional.” That is, whatever we do now is not just an activity but a practice to contribute more to this short life we have. How it benefits us will look differently depending on what the resolution is.

Here is a proposal I have for your new year resolution, or intention: purely to help improve the lives of others through your consumer choices. Below are some of the top American new year’s resolutions that we are going to explore more deeply this year.

  • Get Fit and Lose Weight
  • Manage Debt
  • Take a Trip
  • Eat Healthy Food

Whether your resolution requires buying new exercise gear or an international tour package, we’ll suggest ethical options for fulfilling your intention. We can make 2014 a more intentional year and I hope to show you how in the coming months.

Year in Review: 2013

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2013 Year in Review party image

Wowza! How did it get to be 2014 already? (I’m pretty sure it was 1998 two weeks ago…)

The Fair for All Guide has grown and changed a lot this year, and I want to thank all of you for being a part of it! The sustainable and ethical fashion movement gained a lot of traction in 2013, and we’re excited to see how it will grow in 2014. And of course, we look forward to sharing the latest with you.

It was kind of unbelievable to look back and see how much we’ve written in 2013—posting once a week really adds up! (We’re definitely at the lower end of post frequency… to every other blogger who posts more than that: you are incredible.)

In case you missed them, here are some of our favorite posts from the last year:

Thanks again for being with us, and may 2014 be your best year yet!