How does "Fair Trade" relate to sustainability?

Does this label look familiar?

Chances are that you've seen it on products at your local grocery store or supermarket.

Have you ever wondered what it actually means?

Fair Trade supports farmers and workers in developing countries by making sure they get a fair deal for their work and products.

Two ways this is done:

1. Paying farmers and workers a minimum price that covers the cost of growing their product

2. The Fairtrade Premium — providing extra funds to invest in business or community projects of their choice

Fair Trade standards also include:

• Decent working conditions

• Anti-discrimination

• No forced labor

• No child labor

✅ If a product has the Fair Trade mark, it means that the producers met all of the required standards.

Aside from economic and social criteria, the Fair Trade standards also include several requirements related to protecting the environment.

These include:

Avoiding harmful chemicals

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Not cutting down protected forests

Managing waste

Many producers use the Fairtrade Premium for projects to restore nature and forests.

Fair Trade also gives farmers access to training and information on how to conserve their local environments.

If you want to shop more sustainably, look for Fair Trade products!