What Truly Makes Fair Trade Fair

In today’s fair trade public debate world (October 2015 is Fair Trade Month)—which is evolving into a significant market share for cash crops and cottage industry products—there’s now a growing discussion on what really constitutes fair trade. There are always those who take advantage of market opportunities to cut environmental corners, to not provide for the employees as should be done, and other shortcomings. Among the top four qualifications for true fair trade are: fair working conditions, fair pay, safely structured buildings and worker empowerment. And there is also a distinction between “ethical fashion” and “fair trade.” The understanding for “ethical fashion” is loose and doesn’t necessarily cover all the life-assisting expectations for fair trade artisan workers. Fifty five percent of Americans understand what fair trade means (according to a recent survey), which means that they are looking for fashion, accessories, home décor, clothing, and baby items that are truly fair trade. Here at Shopping for a Change, all of our artisan vendors surpass fair trade guidelines.

We have some lovely, exciting new products appearing in our Accessories collection, and it’s not too early to start thinking about Holiday shopping. Please go to our Clearance Sale page to browse through all our on-sale items that you can purchase early for Christmas, Hanukkah and all holiday celebrations.

Enjoy your shopping with us, and be sure to like us on Facebook and recommend us to your friends. Shopping for a Change is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.