Certified Fairly Traded
Back in 2010, consumers started asking more questions about where their products were sourced, and companies and advocates saw an opportunity to help spread the message of fair trade practices. World Fair Trade Day (WFTD) is hosted on the the second Saturday of May every year, and works to highlight how a fair trade supply chain can empower communities and help families move out of poverty.
What Is Fair Trade Certified?
According to the Fair World Project, Fair Trade Certified is “a movement across supply chains—from producers to consumers—that envisions a world where people on the planet matter as much as profits.”
That means when you come across a fair trade label, the package contains ingredients that meet minimum requirements, such as a price guarantee and no child labor. The certification also includes premiums to support local development and organic farming, and farmers have the opportunity to choose how the premium money gets invested back into their community.
Benefits of Fair Trade Certified
When you choose to shop fair trade, there are lots of benefits, from economics to the environment.
- Fair prices. Farmers are paid fairly for their crops, make a profit, and invest back in their land and support their families in the process. This stability means even with the market fluxuates, farmers are still paid fairly for their products.
- Safe labor practices. Fair trade companies support safe working conditions, living wages, and social benefits for workers, especially when it comes to protecting children from forced labor.
- Education for all. Fair trade practices empower communities in many ways, like organizing cooperatives, providing trainings on everything from organic farming to negotiating skills.
- Putting the environment first. High quality and growing standards mean good news for the planet, especially when it comes to greenhouse gas emission reduction, water quality, pest management, and more.
Tips for Shopping Fair Trade Certified Products
Ready to get shopping? Here are some tips from Fair World Project!- Avoid meaningless claims. When you see “100 percent natural” on a package, it doesn’t mean much. Instead, scan the label for third-party verifications like Fairtrade America, USDA Organic, or Fair For Life.
- Research the companies. Go beyond the label and find out more about the companies that make your favorite products. Some are fully in line with organic and fair trade principles throughout the entire supply chain, while others only have a single fair trade product that’s subsidized by a larger parent company.
- Don’t ignore the fine print. While you’re inspecting the label, be sure to spend some time looking at the ingredients list. How many are actually fair trade certified? The back of the package should also list who the company is owned by, so you can continue your research and be informed to make the best decisions possible.
Top Fair Trade Certified Brands
Meet Thrive Market’s top fair trade certified brands!
Dr. Bronner’s
A Thrive Market member favorite, the legacy of Dr. Bronner’s dates all the way back to 1858. Today, the company continues utilizing eco-friendly ingredients and championing fair trade practices.
Organic Peppermint Castile Liquid Soap
These 18-in-1 soaps are good for all sorts of cleaning tasks from mopping and body cleansing to pet care and laundry.
Alaffia
Alaffia started to help West African communities become more sustainable. From turmeric shampoo (more on that below) to chai shower gel, you can stock your bathroom with peace of mind.
Alaffia Everyday Shea Bubble Bath, Calming Lemon Lavender
Kids and adults will love this non-irritating, gentle bubble bath that’s made with Certified Fair Trade shea butter.
Mavuno Harvest
Founded to support farming communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mavuno Harvest offers an assortment of dried fruits to satisfy sweet cravings while helping families make their way out of poverty, too.
Organic Dried Pineapple
Taste the tropics with this organically grown, non-GMO pineapple. Grown with care in rural Africa, every bag purchased contributes to empowering local farmers.
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Fair Trade Shopping Tips From Dr. Bronner’s and Fair World Project
Before you fill up your cart, brush up on all things fair trade and learn more about this important movement!
Businesses With a Social Mission
Looking to support a business that gives back? We’ve got a top notch list of companies to shop on Thrive Market.
How Fair Trade Empowers Communities in Ghana
In Ghana, Dr. Bronner’s has facilitated community development projects, like installing public toilets, establishing a maternity ward in the local health clinic, and providing mosquito nets, improving the quality of life for local residents.