Does fair trade really make a difference?
Everyone wants to make a difference in the world today, but in a complex consumer society it can be difficult to know what to do! October is “Fair Trade” month and learning more about fair trade can be your answer to making a positive impact in the world. Fair trade is simply a system of exchange that seeks to create greater equity and partnership in trade.
People can easily be confused between terminology of “fair trade” and “free trade.” Free trade gives people the opportunity to trade between each other in their country and also with others outside of their country. Fair trade, an alternative approach to domestic and international trade, strives to improve the lives and communities of disadvantaged artisans and farmers around the world. The principles of fair trade are:
— Artisans and farmers are paid a fair wage in the local context
— Working conditions are healthy and safe
— No child exploitation
— Equal opportunity for women
— Production and farming practices are environmentally sustainable
— Employee involvement in decision-making
— Cultural identity and traditions are honored and respected
Fair trade is about offering great products to the public; keeping prices affordable, while returning a higher amount to the producer; and making an impact on communities. Fair trade is not a handout — but a way to empower communities through building of schools, improving environmental impact of production, health care and nutritional needs met.
An example of how fair trade makes a difference is Intercrafts Peru. They are the marketing and export arm of CIAP, a grassroots organization founded by and for artisans in 1992 to improve the living and working conditions of small crafts people.
CIAP is made up of 21 artisan group members, representing 700 artisans from throughout Peru, including marginal areas of Lima, Ayacucho, Huancayo, Cuzco, Puno, Piura, Pucallpa and Arequipa. Important decisions within CIAP are made democratically in annual assembly meetings of representatives of each of the member organizations.
Daily operations and planning are overseen by a board of directors, elected from the member organizations.
CIAP offers its members benefits such as access to health care, a rotating loan fund and advances to purchase raw materials. CIAP has also established a responsible tourism business, a savings and loan cooperative and is active in promoting fair trade in Peru.
Intercrafts Peru produces a variety of products that represent the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Peru, including ceramic figures, jewelry, nativities, reversed painted glass boxes, arpillera wall hangings, musical instruments and pottery.
Fair trade not only empowers international artisans and farmers, but they are helping people in the United States as well.
The Women’s Bean Project is a non-profit organization based in Denver which was created to help at-risk women break the cycle of chronic poverty and unemployment.
Since 1989 they have been providing skills training, raising self-confidence, and inspiring hope in place of the demoralizing effects of poverty. At any one time, between 18 and 25 women are in training, learning marketable skills for use in the workplace. Women come with the goal of transforming their lives and moving toward self sufficiency.
The Women’s Bean Project provides women with immediate income, support services to overcome barriers to employment, and teaches job readiness skills needed to get and keep a job. The women learn skills that allow them to govern their own lives, empowering them to create better lives for themselves, provide their families with hope, and contribute to a stronger community.
The Women’s Bean Project also supports small, local farms, sourcing many of the ingredients for their products from local farmers and vendors.
These are only two examples of the hundreds of fair trade organizations producing products today. As you can see, fair trade is not all about charity. Fair trade simply is a fair system of exchange that empowers artisans and farmers to develop their own sustainable business with dignity and self-respect. Retail sales of $1,200 can provide an artisan in a developing country with work and feed his/her family of four for an entire year!
When you buy fair trade, you really do make a difference!
Diane Lampitt is co-owner of Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery, Pine Island’s own Fair Trade retail outlet representing items from Intercraft in Peru, The Women’s Bean Project, as well as Equal Exchange Coffee/Tea, Divine Chocolate, and many other gifts through Fair Trade Federation members.