World Fair Trade Day

World Fair Trade Day is on the second Saturday of May to celebrate the contributions to the fight against poverty, exploitation, and climate change.

We here in the first world take our coffee, bananas, jeans and sneakers for granted, but there are plenty of people in other countries who aren't so lucky. Every day, tens of thousands of people in different countries of Asia, Africa and South America - men, women and even children - work to the bone in almost unbearable conditions to earn a dime so we can continue to enjoy those things.

However, there are many people in this world who feel that everyone deserves good wages and working conditions, no matter where they live, and these people have created World Fair Trade Day. World Fair Trade Day is a global event that draws attention to the goals and achievements of the Fair Trade movement.

The Fair Trade Movement works to improve the lives of workers and smallholders, especially those in developing economies, by asserting their rights and enhancing the visibility of workers in international trade. The movement invites consumers to join its campaign by choosing Fair Trade alternatives to existing products.

History of World Fair Trade Day

In the 1940s, textiles were sold from the trunk of Edna Ruth Byler’s car. She is a wife, a mother, and an entrepreneur, and although she didn't know it at the time, she will help start a movement. In 1946, Byler went to La Plata Valley in Puerto Rico in order to have a meeting with a woman in her difficult times. She's struggling to feed her family after the Depression, and Byler is inspired to do something about it. When Byler saw all beautiful embroidery were created by women in the area, he immediately thought about expanding the business by selling their work to her friends and neighbors.

In the 1950s, she started her own small business. Use her car filled with sewing supplies for women's sewing circles and at parties around the country. In doing this, she tells the American people where these works of art come from and the craftsmanship of the women. In doing so, it gave women economic security in La Plata Valley, and it brought Byler success in her life.

What began out as a seemingly small act of kindness then turned into a movement when the business became Ten Thousand Village. Around the world, people are beginning to realize that workers need to be taken care of. In 1964, Fair Trade Organization was firstly established in order to help relations of worker among Chinese refugees in Oxfam stores selling crafts to the United Kingdom. Then, in 1967, Fair Trade Original was established in the Netherlands with similar initiatives.

The International Federation of Alternative Traders was the first organization and the World Fair Trade Organization was founded in 1989. They will organize annual conferences for working groups in the fair race to decide working conditions best practices and in 2004 they celebrated World Fair Trade Day. The goal continues to be to combat poverty and exploitation, climate change and the economic crisis to ensure that the most vulnerable in society are protected.

Some truths about World Fair Trade Day

Manufacturers, shoppers, advocates and companies from around the world make up the fair trade movement. All those involved in this movement work together to build a more equitable form of commerce. The movement started in the United States after the Second World War. The goal of the fair trade movement is to connect small-scale producers to the global market. 1989 was the establishment of World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO). Nowadays, more than one million small-scale producers in 76 countries are part of WFTO.

In the early years of fair trade, crafts were among the most commonly produced and sold items. Coffee has also become a popular commodity in the world of fair trade. There are some fair-trade items such as spices, sugar, wine, flowers, furniture, gold, cotton, and tea.

The fair trade movement has four stages. The first was the development of cooperatives of which farmers and workers became part. The workers then pay for an inspection to make sure their product meets fair trade standards. If they do, their product will be certified and they will receive a fair trade label. Once all of this is done, a minimum price will be established for the product.

Fair trade helps small-scale producers in developing countries earn a sustainable living. This is especially true for farmers and workers in Latin America, Africa and parts of the Global South.

• On the mark

Fairtrade Mark is an independent consumer and registered certification mark for products that work under fair agreement for workers and employees.

• Fairtrade in the UK

The United Kingdom has around 4,500 Fairtrade.

• The number of products

Products with the Mark of Equity are sold in more than 120 countries.

• Chocolate ownership

Divine Chocolate is the only chocolate company in the world that is wholly owned by farmers.

• Workers unite

More than 1.4 million farmers and workers worldwide produce Fairtrade products.

Some reasons for World Fair Trade Day being important

• It helps the most vulnerable

When it comes to money, the most vulnerable people in society are the hardest hit. World Fair Trade Day is an important opportunity to pay attention to the importance of gender equality and a commitment to living conditions for workers.

• It puts the planet first

With global warming threatening the Earth, the way companies produce materials needs to change. It is important to monitor companies that have the potential to harm the Earth and fair trade to ensure that environmentally friendly production is followed.

• Theory of change

Fair Trade focuses on workers in the belief that by supporting them, it will change the global system of inequality to create a stronger future that enables communities to strive. There really is a science for all.

• It creates a more ethical world

When workers are paid fairly, they and their families can have a better life. That leads to a healthier world that benefits everyone. The fight for fair trade is a powerful solution to some of the many other injustices in our world, and what we can do to improve them.

• It reminds us that it is not true if we consider daily products are granted

For every bag of coffee beans we bring home from the grocery store, there may be workers who have been unfairly paid for helping to get the product onto the shelves. The conveniences of the modern world make it very easy for us to consume mindlessly, but it is important to consider where our products come from. Behind every pair of jeans, tea bags or stacks of candy bars we see on store shelves is a group of people who really worked hard to get those products. Our global responsibility is to ensure that those workers are working in safe conditions and are paid enough to support themselves and their families.

• It can be good for the environment

Companies that do not adhere to fair trade standards often create products at an unsustainable rate that causes great damage to the earth. The main principle of fair trade is respect for the environment and that is especially important in light of climate change.

How can you realize whether something is Fair Trade or not?

When you purchase a product, you may not be able to tell if it is Fair Trade or not. However, there are some indicators that you can pay attention to. There are a lot of organizations that certify products with fair trade as a third-party. For example, the Fair Trade Federation will often certify handicrafts. This is why you should take some time to familiarize yourself with the different labels used to certify fair trade products.

Of course, a lot of products are purchased over the Internet these days. Even if they don't, you will find that most companies will have a presence on the web. This is why you should check out the company online and check out their website. Good businesses will provide detailed information about their fair trade policies and practices. They will be transparent about their relationship with their suppliers and they will want to educate you about fair trade and what it really is. You should also find out if they are a member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WTFO) or a similar body. This will help you determine if they are fair trade.

How to celebrate World Fair Trade Day

• Online fair trade shopping

One of the best ways to celebrate World Fair Trade Day is to support workers. Instead of choosing regular retailers as usual, you can refer more than 200 verified fair trade businesses including fully committed to fair and sustainable trade.

• Attend a virtual event

There are a lot of interesting conferences that can give you more about building a sustainable future. You can learn more about movement leaders and hear from industry experts who are driving innovation and societal sustainability. You can also connect with campus and community organizers, and discover other ways to get involved in helping the global community.

• Promote a fair trade organization

Research the fair trade companies you are interested in and research their stories. Then go on social media and tell others about their business and how their services are helping the world.

• Raise funds for World Fair Trade Day or attend an event

There are usually events in all countries for World Fair Trade Day, so you're bound to find something in your local area. If you can't, or you want to organize an event yourself, why not celebrate Fair Trade Day? Fundraising is a great thing to do at any time of the year, and there's no better day to participate in World Fair Trade Day. Whether you host a chocolate tasting, a cupcake sale, or you decide to take part in a fun activity, the money you raise will play a huge role in bringing Public Trade to equal access to hard-working workers and farmers around the globe. No matter what purpose you raise money for or you decide to raise awareness about it, you will do it your way.