Another 3 in 1! Fair Trading

So here I am once again on my day of "rest" updating my blog. When starting this blog I really anticipated that I would just write a little introduction to the topic and include a link & "bippity boppity boo" instant blog gratification! A checkmark in the to-do column and everything's good. I underestimated the complexity of the issues I've looked into (I suppose if the issues were simple someone would have come up with a solution) and the time it takes to sort it all through in my head and then package the info neatly into a blog post. I appreciate the feedback from you readers. It's encouraging to know that as I've explored a variety of issues I've hopefully offered hope and inspiration to others, or at least another moment of procrastination as you surf through facebook.

DAY THIRTY TWO: ETHICAL CONSUMERISM
Fairtrade, Green, Recycled, Upcycled, Shade-Grown, Organic, Grain-fed, 100 Mile Diet, Dolphin Safe, Oceanwise, Hybrid, Carbon Neutral... the list goes on. There are a mind boggling number of terms out there when it comes to being an "ethical consumer". As a result of crossing paths with so many websites regarding poverty I've become more aware of how I spend my money and how those decisions can affect others.

What is Fairtrade? The fairtrade movement actually started in the 1940's and 1950's with a Mennonite group importing handicrafts from Puerto Rico. This group later became Ten Thousand Villages. In the 1950's Oxfam began selling handicrafts from Chinese refugees which inspired shops such as Worldshop in Europe to open. It was in the 1960's that the movement really gained momentum and expanded to items such as; tea and coffee, cocoa, sugar and nuts. The idea was to expand these items to the mainstream while cutting out the middleman so that the producers kept a larger portion of the profit.

Inevitably, labeling of FT products became an issue. In 2002 an International Fairtrade label was established by the Fairtrade Labelling Organization (FLO), the blue and green one, with Canada and the US adopting another (the black and white one). In order for products to qualify as Fairtrade they need to meet the following standards:
- grown and harvested under international fairtrade standards which monitor the social and environmental factors
- have the supply chain monitored for social conditions (no children, a healthy and safe working environment) and sustainable environmental practices

These measures hope to ensure that a fair price is paid to the producer, that their product and production is sustainable and that some money is shared with the wider community for projects such as; medical clinics, sanitation improvement and schools.

Fairtrade is not without its critics. Some critics worry that current market values are not reflected in the actual prices of FT produce, due to crop production taking 3-4 years (or more) to yield results. They also worry that FT economic practices don't create an authentic market that takes into account the role of competition or the realities of the rural economic system, where a majority of the products come from. These oversights create a market failure and weaken the ability of the FT system to fight poverty. Others suggest that the FT label is really just a marketing ploy to get consumers to buy the products and prop up the economy of the local producers. Despite the critics, the Worldbank conducted a study of FT in 2006 and concluded that the FT system is effective.

So what's a consumer to do? Before you throw your hands in the air and run out to the nearest Walmart, take a deep breath. Just by raising your awareness of where your goods are produced and further considering the culture and living conditions of the producers you are using your consumer dollars wisely. Those in the Fairtrade loop encourage consumers to not only consider Fairtrade but the concept of Trade Justice. Trade Justice seeks to create an equal partnership between producers, importers, shops, the labeling organizations, and consumers. One way to get involved in Trade Justice is to participate in World Fair Trade Day on May 14th. Check out this link for more information: www.wftday.org It won't cost you anything but will increase your awareness, and that is at the heart of becoming an ethical consumer.

DAY THIRTY THREE: Shopping in "The Village"
Ten Thousand Villages has been a leader in bringing fair trade goods to the consumers (aka the developed countries). The website not only provides unique and interesting products but also has some more information about fair trade. www.tenthousandvillages.ca Click the "fairtrade" section on the top toolbar of the page and find out about the World Fairtrade Organization (WFTO) principles of fairtrade, as well as "10 Reasons to Support Fairtrade" and personal stories.
(I will also add that when shopping for gifts it's a great idea to think of not only the artisans located around the world but also those located in your own community. So the next time you are in your own "village" boutique ask for items made by local artisans.)

DAY THIRTY FOUR: Oh Baby, Baby!
Speaking of gifts, I came across a great baby gift awhile ago. On the day my first niece was born I was so excited and wanted to buy a gift right away. I was in North Vancouver and found a baby boutique on Lonsdale (wish I could remember which one!). In the store I found the Peppa Bunny Doll. The saleswomen extolled the virtues of the doll, especially the little knots that act as the doll's limbs and a soft teether. This really appealed to me since my six month old daughter was chewing on anything that came near her mouth at the time. She also told me that the doll is stuffed with sheep's wool which absorbs Mom or Dad's scent. It is also created using Fairtrade practices. www.babysbestdesigns.com/peppa_bonding.php Peppa Bunny has become a hit with my niece. She loves her pink bunny so much my sister-in-law found a "Pseudo-Peppa" as a back-up!