How Fair is Fair Trade?

[Belinda]

hi Mike

thanks for your positive response... just speaking from my heart. :thumbup:

Yes, I do believe the fair trade logo is becoming more recognised for sure. I think fair trade is undoubtedly becoming more available to the consumer in the supermarket as well as in large retail stores (M & S sell fair trade cotton tee shirts and sportswear now) which can only be a positive thing.

Obviously there are people who actually know what the Fair Trade movement stands for and to those who, when they see the logo, just have a notion that Fair Trade is 'something to support' without necessarily knowing what it means exactly. (I truly dont mean that to sound patronising..)

We recently visited a local secondary school to do a presentation on fair trade to help educate 14+ age group. Following the presentation, we then helped with a workshop where the children had to buy material and sell tee shirts. This involved buying sheets of paper (either green - fair trade, or white - non fair trade) each printed with the outline of a tee shirt on. Each team had to come up with a brand identity for a sports logo then colour in as many tee shirts as possible following the same design then sell them to the wholesaler for the best price. I thought it was a really excellent way to educate these kids so they have a greater awareness of what Fair Trade stands for (goods exchanged for a fair price).

More towns are becoming Fair Trade towns and this again helps to promote the movement where people that live in that town may be more inclined to find out more about what fair trade means and why their town is a part of it.

Generally, there is a much greater awareness which is helped by more availability in various retail outlets, education in towns and the information through the media whether it be the local newspaper / website.

On your other question about the dropping of 'organics' it surprises me this affected sales where cost was perceived to be more......I will look up the article in a mo!

thanks for that

b:D

PS: I cant find the Intro forum! sorry, not being antisocial! lol

[gavlar]

Unfortunately I am one of those who would class themselves as a sceptic.

I'd like to think the schemes work but I just see them as an excuse to make money, and not for those that need it.

I hope I am wrong, and suspect I am in many cases..... Reading what you write here restores my faith in them somewhat, but i fear there will be more bandwagon jumping like we saw with carbon offsetting schemes!

[webuyitgreen.com]

There are several complex issues related to whether fair trade is a good thing. One is whether the cost of fair trade certification justifies the benefits. Another is whether farmers who receive the fair trade label for their products are consistently complying with the standards. A third issue is whether fair trade is better than "direct trade."

I spent much of last summer researching these issues, specifically related to the coffee industry, and wrote a series of articles about it, which are published on our eco library at WeBuyItGreen. Hope these will be of help.