4Rs Tips for June 11 – Is Fair Trade Eco-Friendly?

Fairtrade does more than pay workers a living wage, it supports a healthier planet.

It can be hard to connect the dots between how paying a living wage and caring for workers relates to saving the planet, but there are a number of reasons that Fair Trade means Sustainable Trade. Some you may not think about and some are directly related to improving our environment.

Fairtrade makes a difference to us and our planet

Many people think that fair trade is the prevention of human exploitation, but it’s a lot more. It’s also the prevention of Earth’s exploitation. It’s about living on the planet in healthy ways that nourish our bodies and souls.

When humans are aligned with nature we are healthier,
mentally and physically.

When we buy fair trade, we support healthier lives for everyone, not just the people who grow and harvest crops or make our products. 

There are environmental requirements that are part of belonging to fair trade organizations and getting certified. These help fight climate change by mandating…. 

• better soil and water management,
• reduced emissions, and
• tree planting.

Teaching farmers and producers to act more planet friendly has always been a part of fair trade. The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) has a set of 10 Principles for Fair Trade that must be met in order for a company to qualify for membership or be verified as fair trade by the WFTO.

• One of the 10 Principles says to respect the environment.

One organization that certifies companies and their products as fair trade is Fairtrade International.

• They have a set of environmental standards that companies must meet in order to carry their Fairtrade Mark.
• Their Fairtrade Climate Standard shows farmers how to reduce climate impact by planting trees and reducing emissions. It helps them earn carbon credits for their efforts.
  • Companies all over the world are buying carbon credits; it’s a big market. This program gives small growers an opportunity to participate in this marketplace
• Growers become part of a cooperative that advocates and supports fair pricing.
• Through the co-op, they get support when bad weather or fires devastate their crops.

Here are a few more organizations that certify products as fair trade.

• Fair Trade USA™provides certification in the US that follows certain environmental practices.
  • See a list of brand partners here.
• Fairtrade America partners with fair trade brands in the US and is part of Fairtrade International.
  • Has this guide to help you Shop Fairtrade.
  • Check out their list of Certified Suppliers here.
• Fair Trade Federation provides its members 14 ways to cultivate environmental stewardship.
  • Has a search page for member brands.

Beyond the environmental benefits of fair trade, there is also the human factor. We know that when people have to struggle to survive there is more stress in their lives and in the world. They are less likely to think beyond their front door, and rightly so. Their biggest concern has to be where their family’s next meal will come from. 

Once people have full bellies and opportunities for growth they’re more likely to think about the world outside and long-term goals, like will the environment be healthy for their children and grandchildren. They are happier and healthier and they want to fight for that.

How to know if you’re buying fair trade

I don’t know about you, but I’m often skeptical about labels. Maybe it’s all those years of believing in the recycling triangle only to find out it didn’t mean items would get recycled. So I’ve done a little digging on whether buying a product with a fair trade label really helps. 

Fairtrade America has a helpful article to better understand Fairtrade labeling.

• Your guide to Fairtrade labeling.

Here’s an interesting 3+ minute vid that I found helpful:

• Do farmers really benefit from fair trade labels?

Though fair trade labeling is not regulated, the organizations above that certify growers and producers are strict about the use of their labels, and studies have shown their programs are effective. If we get familiar with these labels we’ll feel good when we recognize them on a store shelf because we’ll know we’re buying fair trade.

• Fairtrade International has this helpful page to find fair trade products by country, and their Fairtrade Finder can help you find brands that carry their label.
• Fairtrade America will help you Shop Fairtrade and find where to buy products in the US.

Using Fairtrade International’s Product information page you can learn how to buy coffee, produce, textiles, and even gold that are made fair and sustainably. Making these buying choices can significantly reduce your daily impact on the planet and improve your health through better eating habits and a cleaner environment. 

Give it a try. Maybe you’ll find a brand you like better than the one you currently use.

Take Action – Use Your Buying Power

Skip a little time on social media each day and do ten minutes of research to find brands that sell fair trade. 

• Look up the brands of products you have in your cupboard, like coffee, nuts, or cocoa.
  • Use the sites listed above to check up on your brand and maybe find a new one if your current one isn’t fair trade.
• Bookmark websites you find helpful.
  • Did you find good info on your current or new brand? Save the page. You’ll want to use it again.
• Don’t beat yourself up if the brand you just bought turns out to be terrible for people and the planet. Look at it this way, you took the time to check it and now you know better. Use it up and next time buy a brand that’s fair trade.
• Find sites that help you research what brands use fewer pesticides and are better at soil and water management.
• Buy from local independent farmers – If they don’t say they use sustainable practices and grow organic, you can ask.
  • You can’t do this when you buy produce in a grocery store.

Learn more about fair trade and sustainability from Fair Trade Campaigns and their educational brochure. Share it with friends and family.

Why It’s Important

Using and abusing our planet is as bad as exploiting a human being and both actions have terrible consequences to us, the living creatures of Earth.

It’s time we recognize our buying power and how a little effort on our part to buy products made the right way, in a fair and eco-friendly fashion, has huge consequences for the environment and our health.

Critical to your mental health

Taking action to support the planet and fight climate change is the best way to fight climate anxiety, which is on the rise these days. So shopping sustainably and fair trade is good for your mental health.

With Much Gratitude

That’s it for this issue. I hope you found it helpful.

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Drop me a line anytime if you have questions or comments. I love hearing from you.

Thank you for reading these tips and subscribing. Pat yourself on the back for doing your part. Remember, everything helps.

We’ve got this!

All my best,
Jen
jen.thilman@gmail.com 

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