Words by Abi Scaife
It’s World Fairtrade Day - and this year is the 30th anniversary of Fairtrade! In a world where we are spoiled for choice, here are three reasons why you should choose Fairtrade products, whenever possible.
Fairtrade is a movement and a partnership which ensures that farmers and workers around the globe receive a fair price for their products. They work across 70 countries and in more than 1,900 producer organisations, helping to create a more even and sustainable playing field.
One of Fairtrade’s primary goals is to promote and increase fair wages for workers across the globe. Historically, buyers from more affluent countries have not paid farmers and workers enough for the work they do and what they produce, making life incredibly difficult for these communities.
When you buy a Fairtrade product, you can be certain that the people behind it have been treated well and paid a fair, living wage.
You know we’re all about the UN Sustainable Development Goals here at Smiley News, and one of those goals is Number 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth. That doesn’t just mean getting paid fairly, it also means that the conditions you work in should meet a certain standard of safety, prohibit discrimination, and be able to join a trade union.
Climate change and issues with our environment frequently impact Indigenous people the most - and it is often these people who Fairtrade are trying to access and help. Not only does Fairtrade help them through work, but they have set up standards of work in order to protect the planet, including encouraging farmers and workers to switch to environmentally friendly practices.
Fairtrade is a brilliant movement, and there are so many more reasons to support it; really, we have just scratched the surface!
Next time you’re in the supermarket and you have the choice between your plain bananas, and the ones with the Fairtrade sticker, we hope you will consider siding with Fairtrade, for a fairer world.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Climate Reframe. Climate Reframe is committed to supporting the climate and environment movement in its transformation towards greater justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). Find out more.
Refugee Action. This charity helps refugees build safe, hopeful and productive new lives in the UK. Learn more here.
Race Equality Foundation. A national charity tackling racial equality in public services. Find out more here.
