There are several ways to support fair trade. Here are some options:
Purchase fair trade products: One of the easiest ways to support fair trade is by purchasing fair trade products. Fair trade products are import/export goods that are certified by a fair trade certification organization such as Fair Trade USA or World Fair Trade Organization. By choosing Fairtrade, people can create change through their everyday actions. A product with the FAIRTRADE Mark means producers and businesses have met internationally agreed standards that have been independently certified. Fairtrade Certified products are available at grocery stores nationwide, independent shops, and online retailers. Look for the blue and green Fairtrade logo on everything from bananas, cocoa, coffee, sugar, tea, cotton, fruit/juices, and more.
Raise awareness about fair trade: Another way to support fair trade is by raising awareness about it. You can organize your own Fair Trade activity to raise awareness of the importance of trade justice, fair prices, fair wages, working conditions, and supporting the livelihoods of small producers. You can also celebrate World Fair Trade Day or World Fair Trade Week and participate in or follow international activities to know what’s the latest in Fair Trade. You can download promotional materials from the World Fair Trade Organization website. Sharing information about fair trade on social media or with friends and family can also help raise awareness.
Advocate for fair trade policies: Advocating for fair trade policies can also support fair trade. The Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) speaks out on behalf of the Fair Trade Movement for Fair Trade and Trade Justice with the aim to improve the livelihoods of marginalized producers and workers in the global South. The FTAO is a joint initiative of Fairtrade International, the World Fair Trade Organization, and the World Fair Trade Organization-Europe. The FTAO calls for transforming the European Green Deal into a Global Green Deal and for Unfair Trading Practices in the textile sector. You can also learn more about public policies on Fair Trade and related policy fields.
Support fair trade organizations: Supporting fair trade organizations can also help support fair trade. The Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) and Fairtrade America are two organizations that work to promote fair trade and advocate for fair trade policies. Fairtrade works to develop markets and establish collaborative trade relations between producer organizations and businesses`. Companies seeking sustainable supply chains are a critical component of the Fairtrade system – by sourcing Fairtrade products and licensing the FAIRTRADE Marks, they support farmers and workers at Fairtrade producer organizations to take more control over their own futures.