The idea of fairness in trade is at least as old as our Christian faith. Today’s laborers, artisans and farmers deserve payment that is just and fair, yet the United Nations reports that 2.5 billion people live on less than $2 a day. Fair trade represents a workable solution to such poverty and desperation. According to Catholic Relief Services’ Fair Trade office, the prices paid for fair trade products not only increase family incomes, but also allow communities to invest in schools, housing and health clinics.

So What Is Fair Trade?

Fair trade is the system of exchange that provides fair wages and fair labor practices, promotes environmental sustainability, allows producers to invest in their communities through education and leadership development, and ultimately brings the buyer into a relationship of solidarity with the producer.

Other standards of Fair Trade include:

• offering employees opportunities for advancement
• providing equal employment opportunities to all people
• being open to public accountability
• building long term trade relationships
• providing healthy and safe working conditions
• providing financial and technical assistance to producers.

Fair Trade represents an alternative approach to global trade that is rooted in a commitment to cherish and uphold the sacredness and dignity of every person. Thus when we make deliberate decisions regarding our purchases, we can make a difference. This is most easily done in our choice of coffee, tea and chocolate. Many food commodities are produced under slave like and ecologically unsustainable conditions. When you, as a thoughtful consumer, make a conscious decision to purchase a product made under fair trade conditions, you are changing the global economic system from profit driven “free trade” to fair trade. The same is true when shopping for artisan crafts and sweatshop free clothing.

An example is to choose Divine Chocolate bars as a delicious way of playing your part in a more equitable trading partnership. The Divine company is 45% owned by the farmers. So these family farmers receive not only a better deal for their cocoa and additional income to invest in their community, but they also receive a share of company profits and a stronger voice in the cocoa industry.

But What Can I Do?

• Educate yourself, your family and friends and others about fair trade. Here are a few resources to get you started:

Catholic Relief Services Fair Trade Programs

Fair Trade Resource Network

Clean Clothes Campaign

• Vote with your money.  Try to shop for fair trade items. Use the Fair Trade Directory to locate retailers or groups selling fair trade products in the Milwaukee area.
• Ask your favorite stores to carry fair trade items!
• Approach your parishes, schools, and other organizations asking them to serve fair trade coffee at meetings or to review policies about where they may purchase sports apparel.

Making a Real Impact: How St. Anne’s Brought Fair Trade to their Community

Find out how parishioners at St. Anne’s in Kenosha responded to their mission experience in the Dominican Republic by reading their Fair Trade Story.

More Resources

The Education Committee of the Four Corners of the World Fair Trade Store in Milwaukee has a Speakers Group and a free video lending library offering information about many aspects of sustainability and social justice. More information can be found at the Four Corners Website.

Many area businesses which carry fair trade items have come together as the Milwaukee Fair Trade Coalition in order to educate consumers about and promote fair trade products which are available in the Milwaukee area. For information about these activities, visit the Milwaukee Fair Trade Coalition Website.