It's FairTrade Fortnight.......

.....And in the next 2 weeks I'll try and post a Fairtrade feature with every article I publish. I'm so glad to have this opportunity as, although I've had an interest in Fairtrade for a long time, I've never really gone out of my way to find out what it really is. I've supported fair trade by choosing products I believe live up to the term, but I've never done a search of the word 'fairtrade' for a written description. I know it's all about fair working conditions, fair pay, basically, a no exploitation model of production of our consumables, but outside of that, I've been ignorant, and I'm looking forward to learning a bit more in the next 2 weeks. 


The thing with green / ecological living is that once you're in, you get sucked right in. I started out wanting the best for me (selfish, I know!), but in trying to source what is best for me, I've been exposed to a lot more, and have found that ultimately, what is 'best for me' turns out to be fairly (no pun) good for others too, and not only for man but for other creatures too. Take food, for example. If I want to eat organic chicken (best for me), I'd expect to pay more for it (good for farmer) because it has been raised in fair conditions allowing it to free range as nature intended (good for chicken). If I want organic fruit and vegetables (good for me), I'd again expect to pay a fair price for it (good for farmer), which allows for the use of natural pest control methods that do not mess with the ecosystem, thus making it fair for wildlife that live out there too, because we all know, pesticides kill not only pests, but useful wildlife too. The same principle applies to pretty much everything we buy as consumers. 


So What is Fairtrade really? Well, from the Fairtrade site, I got this: 

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.

Ha, good to know I was on the right track then! My challenge in the next 2 weeks is to be acutely aware of what I'm buying, if I buy anything at all. Everything will be Fairtrade certified, and if I cannot find the FT certification logo or afford the product, I'll go without. Now, I know this is a little extreme for some, and I doubt I can impose this on my husband too, but I've asked him to try. His reply, 'okay, no problem'. And here's to hoping that the little habits we pick up in these 2 weeks will get us more aware and change our shopping habits forever. It's good to shop with a conscience, and for those that read this, please do try and think before buying. It's a win, win situation; you get good stuff and feel good that you're helping someone somewhere live a better life by enabling them with your well thought out purchases. 


Another quote from the Fairtrade site: 

Our vision is of a world in which justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices so that everyone, through their work, can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood and develop their full potential.

Remember, someone somewhere might be paying dearly for that cheap product you're buying. Think before you do so.

Bright blessings