Why should I shop fair trade?<\/h2>\nTo Fight slavery<\/h4>\n
Shopping fair trade is a great way for anyone to get involved in the fight against human trafficking<\/a>. By shopping fair trade, you can avoid fueling companies around the world that profit off of slave labor.<\/p>\n Fair trade purchases provide fair wages and dignified, sustainable employment for individuals in developing countries. By affirming marketable skills and entrepreneurship, you are creating opportunity for individuals who might otherwise be forced into poverty, dangerous working conditions, or trafficking situations.<\/p>\n The average American throws away 82 pounds of textiles every year. In fact, the fashion industry is the second-most-polluting industry in the world.2<\/sup> Buying fair trade requires you to be intentional with your purchases, reducing the amount of waste you generate. Fair trade environmental standards are also high\u2014to ensure that what you buy is developed\u00a0via sustainable methods.<\/p>\n Having an good understanding of “fair trade” and “ethically sourced” can\u00a0broaden your options and help you more easily find quality,\u00a0ethical goods\u2014even if they aren\u2019t specifically advertised as\u00a0such.<\/em><\/p>\n When organizations say they sell fair trade items, they usually mean they\u2019ve received fair trade certification for their products. Many third-party organizations exist to provide routine, rigorous evaluations of companies that sell certified goods. They do this by tracking transactions and supply chains. Two of the most common auditors are Fair Trade Certified<\/a>\u2122 and Fairtrade International<\/a>\u00ae.<\/p>\n Fair trade certified companies must give a percentage of their earnings to a community development fund\u00a0that sends\u00a0money back to the farmers, workers,\u00a0and artisans. This process helps ensure fair, sustainable wages and safe working conditions.3<\/p>\n Even if a company\u2019s products\u00a0haven’t been certified by an outside organization,\u00a0they\u00a0can still have high ethical standards for\u00a0their\u00a0supply chains and business practices. To determine whether a company is transparent and ethical, read their supplier code of conduct.\u00a0You can also look for a published list of suppliers, and search for a third-party audit from an organization like Know The Chain<\/a>.<\/p>\n Are you ready to switch to fair trade shopping but not sure where to start? Here are four ways to transition to an ethical shopping lifestyle\u2014without getting overwhelmed in the process.<\/p>\n Like any big project, you can\u2019t change everything all at once. It\u2019s okay to make a gradual switch to fair trade. Getting started can be as simple as trading your traditional morning cup of coffee for a fair trade-certified brand or vowing to only shop second-hand clothing for the next year. Once you\u2019re used to one change, you can add another. Eventually, you\u2019ll get to the place where you\u2019re shopping ethically and supporting freedom in several aspects of your life!<\/p>\n Fair trade clothing often costs more than clothes from mainstream brands or big department stores, which\u00a0means you may be unable to purchase new clothes at the same rate as you have in the past.\u00a0It’s\u00a0important to make mindful purchases and only buy what you need\u2014when you need it. Ask yourself questions like, D<\/em>o I really love what I\u2019m about to buy? Does it fit well with the rest of my wardrobe? Is it made of quality material that will last?<\/i>\u00a0Careful buying will help you keep your commitment to fair trade, as well as help reduce the amount of fabric waste impacting the environment.<\/p>\n Companies like ThredUp<\/a>, Depop<\/a>, and Poshmark<\/a> make it easier than ever to buy pre-loved clothing. Shopping secondhand is a great way to make sure your purchase isn\u2019t increasing the demand for trafficking or unfair labor practices. This option is also more affordable and extends the life of a product, cutting down on negative environmental impact.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t have time to research every purchase you make? You\u2019re not alone. The creators of the Good on You app<\/a> have already done the research for you! Search your favorite brands to see how they\u2019ve been rated, based on an evaluation of the company\u2019s policies and practices.<\/p>\n Looking for more inspiration to make the switch? Check out Sarah Lazarovic\u2019s Buyerarchy of Needs<\/a>, an illustration of the ethical shopping habit mindset. The right tools make it easy to make better shopping choices. Your small, individual purchases will add up, and by shopping fair trade, you\u2019ll be contributing to the fight against slavery\u2014and helping to create a better world.<\/p>\n “Every time you spend money, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” \u2013 Anna Lapp\u00c9<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\nTo Return dignity to the marketplace<\/h4>\n
To Protect the environment<\/h4>\n
How do I know if a Product Is ethically sourced?<\/h2>\n
Fair Trade Certification<\/h4>\n
Common Fair Trade Seals<\/h4>\n
![\"Fair-Trade-Certifications\"](\"https:\/\/cdn2.hubspot.net\/hubfs\/3827123\/FairTrade.jpg\")
<\/p>\nB Corporation<\/h4>\n
![\"B-Corp-Certification\"](\"https:\/\/cdn2.hubspot.net\/hubfs\/3827123\/BCorp%20(1).jpg\")
B Corporation\u00a0sets many similar standards as fair trade. The main difference is that B-Corporation certification\u00a0doesn’t just consider the individual product or service; it takes a more holistic approach by measuring a company’s entire social and environmental performance. This means you can be sure a business\u2019 practices are benefiting local communities, supply chains, and the environment. Check out the B Corp Directory<\/a> to see which companies are certified.<\/p>\nEthical Standards<\/h4>\n
How\u00a0can I Start Shopping Fair Trade?<\/h2>\n
FOCUS ON ONE ISSUE or Product\u00a0At a Time<\/h4>\n
BUY LESS, BUY BETTER<\/h4>\n
SHOP SECONDHAND<\/h4>\n
\u201cGOOD ON YOU\u201d APP<\/h4>\n
\n