Fair Trade The concept is little more than common sense: workers should be paid a fair wage for their hard work. We sometimes take this for granted living in the Westernized world, but we're more the exception than the rule. In third world countries exploitation of women and children is commonplace; working conditions are often horrible, and wages barely provide the essentials in life. Granted, the US is far from perfect—but it seems utopian compared to many places. According to IFAT, the international organization of fair and alternative trade, Fair Trade means: Mutually beneficial relationships built on trust and respect. A greater share of the selling price ends up in the hands of the artisans. Exchange and value. Trade and respect. Friendship and trust. Giving poor people power, paying producers a fair price for their work, and strengthening their hand in trading relationships. Urban Ruby thanks WorldFinds at www.worldfinds.com a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation, for the above information.
|