Author: Eugenia González.
What is Fairtrade? Who certifies the products? How can I contribute? Here I tell you what I found out and give you 12 actions you can take TODAY.
When I became interested in Fair Trade, I had many questions:
- They say they are certified products, with a seal. Who gives this seal, and can I trust them?
- Isn't this just another form of marketing to convince me to buy from one brand and not another?
- Can all products be Fairtrade and where can I find them?
And, the one that worried me the most: given the amount of injustice and pain in the world... is it really worth anything? I mean, I am clear about my power as a consumer. But, if I buy Fairtrade products, does that really have an impact on the lives of farmers?
I have been researching this topic for some time and will share with you what I have learned, so that you can judge for yourself.
What is Fair Trade
Fair Trade is an alternative to conventional international trade. In other words, a trading system with different rules.
What is conventional trade looking for? The maximum profit for the seller. And it does so without taking two factors into account:
- The human cost. That is, the living conditions of the people who have grown, processed or manufactured the product.
- The cost to the planet
And another aspect that is of particular interest to me: how does the conventional trade promote its products? With every marketing technique there is. It doesn't matter if the advertising is misleading, sexist or promotes values that do not build a more critical and equitable society. You have to sell (the more the better). The end justifies the means.
This trade is one of the key elements of capitalism. Capitalism, you know, this pervasive system that entrenches global poverty and inequality.
I live in a capitalist society. I am very clear about that. And you know it too, don't you?
Is Fair Trade "Aid?"
No, Fair Trade is not "aid", it is TRADE.
It is an alternative to conventional international trade: a solidarity-based and responsible trade system that seeks to eradicate poverty through the development of the people and communities that produce it.
In Fair Trade, a price is paid that goes beyond the price offered by the capitalist market. This system promotes fairness, i.e. respectful relationships between the people who process and grow, and the people who consume.
It is a type of economy in which exploitation is no longer an option.
So the only thing that is different is the money people in the South receive?
No, Fair Trade goes much further:
- Promotes associativity and empowerment of the people
- Ensures respect for the environment
- Encourages respect for local cultures, with their traditional methods of cultivation and processing.
Every time you buy a Fairtrade product you are supporting profound change and are part of the solution.
The 10 principles of Fair Trade
The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is a global network of Fair Trade organisations present in more than 70 countries. This association has decided on the 10 principles of Fair Trade.
In other words, if a product wants to be labelled as Fairtrade, it must comply with these 10 principles.
I want to make it very clear... it must not comply with 1, 2 or 3 principles... no. It must comply with ALL of them. It must comply with ALL of them. They are these:
Which products can be Fair Trade?
In theory all products can be Fair Trade.
Typically, coffee, cocoa and sugar come to mind. Why? Because historically they are associated with the exploitation of people, slavery and all sorts of abuses.
But nowadays the list of Fair Trade products is much longer: cereals, pasta, dried fruits and nuts, spices, jams, honey, biscuits, sweets, juices, soft drinks, candies, snacks, alcoholic beverages, clothes, toys, children's material, household, jewellery, accessories, stationery, cosmetics and hygiene...
Do you know what the latest product to be added to the list is? Fairtrade mobiles.
In reality, everything that is bought and sold can be sustainably produced and ethically traded.
How do I know that a product is "Fairtrade"?
Because it carries a seal that certifies it. The seal will be on the packaging or on the label. Sometimes it's clearly visible, sometimes it's a bit more hidden... but what is clear is that IF IT IS NOT STAMPED, IT IS NOT FAIR TRADE.
Who certifies Fairtrade products?
As I have already told you, the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) is the most representative body of the Fair Trade movement at the international level.
But to ensure that the certification is transparent and reliable, it is not the certification body that gives the seal, but other independent bodies. For example, the Fair Trade organisation.
All Alternativa3 products have been awarded the Fair Trade label.
To explain in detail how a product is Fairtrade certified would take... a whole book! But after doing some research on the subject, this has become clear to me:
- The certification process is long, laborious and completely transparent.
- Lasts for a minimum of 3 years
- Certification is renewed with regular checks
- Spot checks are commonplace
We are talking about very sensitive issues: avoiding the exploitation of children, preventing human trafficking, ensuring gender equality....
The checks are thorough and you can rest assured:
IF IT BEARS THE FAIR TRADE LABEL, IT IS FAIR TRADE.
Why support Fair Trade?
Do you agree that we need to work towards a change of model? Fair Trade is a tool you can use to create a more equitable world.
- Millions of people are currently living in poverty.
- One third of people who have a job live in moderate or extreme poverty (yes, they work, but they can't make a living!).
- Forced and bonded labour directly affects 21 million people
- Child labour exploitation affects 11% of the world's children. That's 168 million children
These are data from the United Nations Development Programme. And they are data from before the start of the pandemic (today the figures must be worse).
¿Qhat can you do?
Fair Trade consumption is a very powerful form of activism.
Every time you buy a Fairtrade product, producer groups living in Africa, Latin America and Asia receive direct benefits:
- Fair pay for their work
- Health and education
- Eradication of child labour
- Gender equality
- Ecosystem protection
In short, the development of individuals and the community is promoted. This is yet another example of the strength of cooperativism and the solidarity economy. I believe that they are regaining their dignity.
Daily activism
Moreover, consuming Fairtrade products is a form of daily activism.
Every day I drink my coffee, every day I take sugar, I get dressed....
If you decide to support Fairtrade with daily actions, your short, medium and long term impact is huge.
Is it worth it, and is it sure to work?
Ah, the discouragement: they tell you that it can't be done, that it's useless.
When you say you want to consume Fairtrade some will consider it a whim.
I know that look: "You see, he thinks that by buying that chocolate he is going to make life better for children in Africa".
But what if it were true, what if by buying one cocoa and not another you could save the life of a child in Africa?
That's the reality of all Fair Trade products. Every time you consume a Fair Trade labelled product you can be sure that your gesture is making a difference to someone's life.
And that is not an opinion, it is a fact. A wonderful fact. Fair Trade is one of the most powerful forms of activism there is.
Shall we take action? Here are 12 practical ideas to get you started with Fair Trade:
- Here is the website of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), the global network present in 70 countries. Very powerful info https://wfto.com/
- "La Coordi" is a Catalan organisation that promotes Fair Trade and Ethical Finance (very interesting). https://lacoordi.cat/
- In Spain we find the Coordinadora Estatal de Comercio Justo. The "Resource Centre" and "News" sections are a mine of information. https://comerciojusto.org/
- Are you interested in the International Definition of Fair Trade and in knowing exactly what it stands for? https://comerciojusto.org/que-es-el-comercio-justo-2/
- If you are a teacher, you will be interested in this "Educational Manual to bring Fair Trade closer to young people from 12 to 16 years old". It has been published by the Coordinadora Estatal de Comercio Justo.
https://comerciojusto.org/publicacion/manual-educativo-acercando-el-comercio-justo-a-jovenes/
Are we shopping responsibly?
- Here you will find a list of more than 100 Fair Trade shops in Spain. https://comerciojusto.org/tiendas/
- And here, solidarity is just a click away: a complete list of 16 online shops:
https://comerciojusto.org/tiendas/tiendas-on-line/
Are you more of a book person? I suggest you start with these three:
- "Paraules d'Arcadi: Què hem après del món i com podem actuar" The latest book by economist Arcadi Oliveres, promoter of ethical finance and a reference in social movements for peace and equity. Published by Angle Editorial in 2021.
- "Bitter coffee. Por un comercio Norte-Sur más justo" (Bitter coffee. For a fairer North-South trade) The classic to get you started on this subject. Written by Setem and published by Icaria in the Más Madera collection (Barcelona, 1999).
- "Y AHORA YO YO QUE HAGO: Cómo evitar la culpa climática y pasar a la acción" In this book from 2021, published by Capitán Swing, the environmentalist Andreu Escrivà gives you practical ideas to take action.
Do you prefer videos?
- In this link you will find 12 short videos (ranging from 1 to 5 minutes) about what Fair Trade is and how you can practice it. https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/2854922
- "La Coordi" also has a couple of very cool videos. https://lacoordi.cat/materials/
Knowing, understanding, thinking: that is the root of change.
Do you know more resources to get started with Fair Trade? Please share them with the rest of the people who read the Blog.
- 12-12-22
