By making the choice to purchase Fair Trade products, you are supporting an economic system that affords farmers, artisans and workers from around the world the opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty.
Fair Trade guarantees buyers that the products they purchase are grown, harvested, made and traded in ways that improve lives and safeguard the environment.
Fair Trade merchants must have their products verified through a 3rd party certification system to hold sellers accountable to their promise.
As a consumer in the US seeking to purchase Fair Trade products, you can look for the following Fair Trade Certification labels:
NYSUT proudly supports Fair Trade, a viable economic solution for impoverished farmers, artisans and other workers worldwide. Fair Trade standards assure living wages, fair and humane labor conditions, and environmental sustainability. Workers are democratically organized; abusive forced labor is strictly prohibited. For farmers and producers, Fair Trade means community development, improved health care, and access to education.
Watch these videos by Fair Trade Certified to learn more about what it means to buy fair trade :
Fair Trade: Every Purchase Matters
Every Purchase Matters 30-second PSA by Fair Trade Certified
Huge Jackman Ventures to Ethiopia in Trailer for Fair-Trade Coffee Documentary: Dukale's Dream
Ben & Jerry's Pint Sized Answers: Fairtrade:
Free Trade vs. Fair Trade
For more video, visit www.fairtradeusa.org/resources/general/videos.