Trading Fair

We've talked about Fair Trade in this space before. When you care about where and how your food is grown--and, oh, do we ever--it becomes impossible to ignore the remaining piece of the equation: by whom. You know that we carry as many Fair Trade products as we can (or if you don't, check out a comprehensive list here), but do you know what Fair Trade and its accompanying certification really mean?

When you purchase items that are Fair Trade certified, you are supporting businesses that value their workers, that seek to support rather than exploit, and that are committed to sustainability, transparency, and relationships. These principles are important to us.

As folks who commit to eating organic as much as we can, we're used to acting on our principles without always needing to see direct results--we know that eating organic is better for our bodies, for our children, and for the environment, even when we can't see it. We're used to growing, shopping, and eating this way. We've taken the time to learn about why it makes sense to eat organically and know why it's important to us. Let's take the same kind of time to remember that items we choose to purchase, especially--but not exclusively--those coming to us from far away, are grown, packaged, and created by real people who are directly affected by how we choose to spend our dollars. Reading about the terrible consequences that big banana companies, unchecked by Fair Trade restrictions, have wreaked on the land and on millions of people's lives is sobering. We're thrilled to say that we've been carrying nothing but Fair Trade bananas for a long time now, and hope to continue to able to do so.

When you see the Fair Trade symbol on a product, you know that these principles are being put into action (taken from Fair World Project):

Long-Term Direct Trading Relationships

Payment of Fair Prices and Wages

No Child, Forced or Otherwise Exploited Labor

Workplace Non-Discrimination, Gender Equity and Freedom of Association

Safe Working Conditions & Reasonable Work Hours

Investment in Community Development Projects

Environmental Sustainabilty

Traceability and Transparency

Take the time to learn more. The newest issue of For A Better World Publication has just been released. Read more about banana farming practices, fair trade crafts, fair trade quinoa and much more. Because we care, and we know that you do too.