Fair Trade is a system of exchange where purchasers agree to pay a slightly higher cost to make sure providers are able to maintain a decent standard of living. It is potentially the cornerstone of an entirely new economy where sustainability and justice, not low cost, are the key values.
Currently we often see coffee as the most prevalent fair trade commodity. Other products often traded fairly include: handicrafts, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit, chocolate, flowers and gold.
More often than not fair trade involves more than a living wage. In many areas distributors also contribute to the infrastructure of a town or growing region. Really, it just makes sense. We all live in communities. Buying fair trade certified goods is a way of investing in someone else’s community.