Finding Fair Trade at the Co-op
The other day I ran into a customer interested in Fair Trade, wondering what we stock at the Co-op. He came to the right gal, as Fair-Trade has always been important to me. I’m happy to report you can find many fairly traded products here, many of which are certified.
The logo in question
Essentially, Fair Trade assures that product’s farmers control their means and production, and their communities see the benefit. The Fair Trade certification is much like its Certified Organic sibling. Products must live up to many guidelines, from working conditions to sustainable growing practices. Simple things we may take for granted like maternity leave, sick days, even nursing breaks and a living wage, are denied many workers in poor countries. Fair Trade ensures workers are provided these standard practices, so they can support their families. Wikipedia has a fuller explanation of Fair Trade’s history and practices, for those wanting.
The easiest way to shop is by the little black label on imported teas, many coffees, bananas, roses, and even Dr. Bronner’s soaps, among many other products. We’re excited to announce that we are now working with Equal Exchange to ensure FT bananas at each Co-op location. Equal Exchange works directly with farmers the world over to bring consumers organic goods.
Pachamama is another great FT-dedicated organization; their coffees can be found in our Bulk aisle. They’re a farmer-owned cooperative representing over 140,000 family farmers in Latin America and Africa. Check their website to see who’s growing your coffee or stop the affable Tom Hammer, Bulk Manager, and ask the turn through the beautiful book they sent us.
Living Wages taste better!
When available, we always carry FT mangos and avocados. We’ve also had FT-certified roses some time now in our floral department. These are not only grown by workers who now enjoy living wages and better conditions, but they are grown with environmentally-friendly practices, ensuring better health for workers and Earth alike.
Most of us Co-op shoppers have been spending to make a difference for years, and this is another way to do just that. We’re going to buy our coffee and bananas anyway, but it feels right to know our purchases empower small farmers in their own livelihoods. When we buy roses for that special someone we can feel good that the mothers growing them enjoy a living wage, paid maternity leave, and nursing breaks.
Oh? Mother’s Day is just around the corner? What better to way to show Mom you care than with Fair Traded roses? You can buy me one, too. I’m a hard working mommy too and I never refuse a rose! Cheerio!