What is fair trade?

Fair trade is a relatively new concept. If an item is "fairly traded," it indicates that the person who made the product was paid a fair wage according to his or her country's standard, rather than being forced to work in unjust, dangerous conditions in a sweatshop or other oppressive situation. Many organizations exist with the sole purpose of working with disadvantaged groups of people to develop and market fair trade products.

The International Fair Trade Association provides the following information about fair trade:

• Improving the artisan's quality of life is the main objective.
• Artisans receive a fair price for their goods and advances on orders.
• ATOs work with artisans to provide quality products.
• Purchase and marketing of artisans' goods are conducted according to high ethical standards. Continuity of orders is important.
• Sources, production and workplaces do not exploit people or the environment.
• Products have meaning above their tangible attributes. Consumers are informed about the people who make the products they purchase, increasing their loyalty and understanding that their purchasing power makes a difference.
• Cultural exchanges between people in the South and people in the North are encouraged.

Fair trade is better than aid--it builds a sustainable future on artisans own abilities.