Fair trade: more than just a seal
Fair trade: more than just a seal
Fair trade, literally translated "just trade", is more than just a seal on a product. Fair Trade is a social movement that works for equality, fair payment and improved working conditions for many of our most frequently used products. Coffee, chocolate, bananas, cotton - there are people and their work behind all of these products.
What is fair trade?
origin and objective
The term "fair trade" first appeared in the late 1940s and was the result of projects that wanted to help foreign producers to establish direct market connections. The goal of Fair Trade is to build a fair global economy in which each actor - from the producer to the consumer - receives a fair share and the rights of each individual are observed. Fair Trade tries to remove the imbalance in the traditional trading system by focusing on putting marginalized producers in a cheaper position, especially in the southern countries.
How Fair Trade
Products that bear the fair trade seal meet certain criteria and standards that are determined by Fairtrade International. These criteria affect the prices that are paid to the producers, working conditions and environmentally friendly production. For example, Fair Trade guarantees a minimum price that exceeds production costs and an additional surcharge for social, economic or environmental investments.
In addition to the price stability, Fair Trade also promises the protection of human rights in the workplace and encourages producers to ecologically sustainable cultivation methods. For example, no child labor or forced labor may be used, the right to freedom of association has to be respected and health protection measures must be established. Fair Trade: More than just one seal
However, the movement of Fair Trade goes beyond seals. It goes hand in hand with sustainability and social responsibility - it changes the way we do business and helps to create an inclusive and just global economy.
fair trade and sustainable development
Fair trade not only promotes fair prices, but also sustainable growing methods. Producers are encouraged to reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in order to protect the ground and to maintain biodiversity. In addition, many fair trade products carry the organic seal.
fair trade and the community
The Fair Trade model attaches great importance to community work and self -determination. Fair trade producers often come together to form cooperative or groups to offer mutual support and strengthen their negotiating position. With the Fairtrade surcharge, you can invest in projects that benefit the entire community-whether education, health care or infrastructure.
fair trade and the education
Fair Trade also makes an important contribution to education. It sensitizes the end users to the problems of traditional trade and promotes awareness of the importance of a sustainable and just economy. It teaches us that it is in our hands to make change by consciously deciding which products we buy and which companies we support.
conclusion
Fair trade is more than just a seal. It is a philosophy, an obligation to promote justice and sustainability and an opportunity for all of us to contribute to making the world a little better. By buying fair trade products, we support producers who receive fair wages in safe working conditions and promote sustainable practices.
In summary, it can be said: When we talk about fair trade, we don't just talk about a seal or a product. We talk about people, about their rights and their well -being. We talk about sustainability, respect for the environment and the goal of preserving our resources for the coming generations. We talk about justice, about the need to combat the inequalities in our world and give everyone a fair chance of living a dignified and fulfilling life. Fair trade is a step on the way to a world in which everyone receives a deserved share. It is a step on the way to change - and this change begins with us. Because every purchase is a choice. And every choice counts.