Third World Fair Trade
Since being in London, I have become more aware of global social issues. For instance, the importance of microfinance was an aspect of reducing poverty that I had never thought of before. Now I plan to loan money at least once a year to unique small businesses in the developing world using Kiva.org.
And recently I’ve just gotten hip to Fair Trade. The FAIRTRADE Mark is an independent consumer label which appears on products as an independent guarantee that disadvantaged producers in the developing world are getting a better deal. Fair Trade helps farming families across Latin America, Africa and Asia to improve the quality of life in their communities. Fair Trade principles include:
- Fair price: Democratically organized farmer groups receive a guaranteed minimum floor price and an additional premium for certified organic products. Farmer organizations are also eligible for pre-harvest credit.
- Fair labor conditions: Workers on Fair Trade farms enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited.
- Direct trade: With Fair Trade, importers purchase from Fair Trade producer groups as directly as possible, eliminating unnecessary middlemen and empowering farmers to develop the business capacity necessary to compete in the global marketplace.
- Democratic and transparent organizations: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers decide democratically how to invest Fair Trade revenues.
- Community development: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers invest Fair Trade premiums in social and business development projects like scholarship programs, quality improvement trainings, and organic certification.
- Environmental sustainability: Harmful agrochemicals and GMOs are strictly prohibited in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect
farmers’ health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations.
So if you want to support Fair Trade, click here to find a list of retailers that carry Fair Trade Certified products. Be the change you want to see in the world.
Stop responding to every dam thing cracker has to say whether good bad or indifferent, the first baby mama was ...
THAT WAS FABULOUS!!!!! She killed it. Yep, there'll be some ugliness, but who cares. She made an awesome statement (whether ...
luv it;) 
Leaving Obama aside on this, I found it quite interesting. I'm not American, but even I found it slightly uncomfortable ...
What does Obama have to do with this? Unbelieveable. Why is it when black folk do something that is not ...
‘SEE! SEE! I told you! They are already replacing the National Anthem!’
OMG I bet some people will actually say that! ...
No doubt. It's heating up now, though. Google Trends is spiking with searches for 'Black National Anthem' and 'LIft Every ...
I say more power to her. I do not find it disrespectful at all. However, I'm sure FOXNEWS ...
Check out all the confused faces, lol. They are like 'wtf' 
Interesting article. I think God-centeredness makes life better, even our business experiences. BUT...
I am not sure that it's appropriate in ...
Comment by Fredric on 9 April 2007:
“target” is probably my number 1.
not mad at “sam’s club” and “dominick’s” as well.
Comment by Dame on 9 April 2007:
Thank you for the information. This is the first time, that I’m actually hearing about this. I’ll do my best to support these organizations.
Comment by Bigrayvin on 9 April 2007:
This is great for the developing courntries. Everybody seems to get a equal shot throughtthis fair trade deal to build up their community. If you love micro economics you love for ideas like this to take off. Some of these practies should be institued or infused into black communities. Could you imagine black communties implementing community devlopment (CD)the way it suppose to be? Oh credting that liquar store on the corner as CD does not count .