26-year-old Miranda Paul owns the Worldgoods Fair Trade in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She says that Fair Trade product marketing allows artisans and workers to actually afford to run their businesses and give themselves and their children a well-fed life and a better education than they otherwise would under a trading system that, previously, compelled so many of them to sell their goods to the U.S. at less than cost.
"The customers want that choice to do something that is compassionate and helpful to others with their purchases," says Paul.
Indeed, a Hartman Group study has determined that at least 73 percent of American consumers are confident that buying Fair Trade products has a strong positive impact on the world and most are quite happy to pay the 10 percent premium
What a label reading "Fair Trade Certified" means to the workers who grow, make, pack, and ship the products, and for those of us who receive them, is that it's guaranteed that they are receiving fair wages and fair time off--as in a wage, vacation time, paid sick days, and working hours that are recognized as "fair" with respect to the work they do in the eyes of the international community of developed nations, including the United States.
The Certification also rewards the businesses that produce the goods. These will receive roughly a 10 percent premium per sale, which is charged to the consumer at the point of sale. This premium gives them money to grow their businesses and to put into their communities in order to make them wealthier.
Worldgoods Fair Trade recently opened a new store at 1228 Main Street, Olde Town Crossing, in Green Bay.
"Choosing a renovated historic building in the lovely downtown [Olde Main] district rather than opting for new construction was a no-brainer. If you look at the "greenest" option as well as the overall shopping atmosphere, this was the best choice for our gallery to move, for aesthetic and environmental reasons. Come see how beautiful it looks filled with ethically sourced Fair Trade art and gifts!" exclaims Paul.
There are other reasons to get excited about the dynamic Fair Trade business boom.
According to California's Bay Area Fair Trade Coalition, "In making small scale farming more profitable, Fair Trade discourages deforestation and preserves traditional intercropped farms that prevent erosion and protect wildlife.
Fair Trade also requires drastic reductions in agrochemical use, forbids the most harmful chemicals and promotes other environmental stewardship practices, so you know that the Fair Trade Certified espresso you are enjoying is not just good for the people, but for the planet as well."
