| A lot of people have started supporting handmade | | | | The reason why this has been developed is so that |
| bags that are being sold in many stores. This is | | | | these products will continue to be manufactured. For |
| because these bags have been made by hand and | | | | the past forty years, the prices for such |
| are from organic products which are often being | | | | commodities have remained even. While this may |
| forgotten. But aside from these bags, there are | | | | serve a good benefit to the consumers, it actually |
| other sustainable products that are now being sold in | | | | possesses a threat to the developers as the costs |
| the market. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of | | | | for the upkeep and production of these products |
| famous establishments which have started supporting | | | | continue to rise. It has even reached a point where a |
| them. With the help of Fair Trade, these products | | | | lot of small farmers are forced to have accrued |
| have become the number one choice of many. | | | | debts that they are unable to pay. As a result, they |
| You may have recently walked into a store where a | | | | end up being bankrupt. |
| logo for Fair Trade products is posted on the wall. | | | | Through the efforts of several charities, consumers |
| You stop and think what this logo is as you look at | | | | have become aware of this problem. Aside from |
| the products on display. From there, you see | | | | increasing the awareness of the public, these charities |
| different items such as coffee, tea, and chocolate. | | | | also work to change and improve the situation of |
| The fact that these products have a certification | | | | these poor farmers. In the UK, the Fair trade |
| logo may invite you to buy them. But do you really | | | | Foundation was set up by charities such as New |
| know what Fair Trade products are? | | | | Consumer, CAFORD, Oxfam, Christian Aid, Traidcraft |
| Contrary to the belief of many people, Fair Trade | | | | and World Development. Because of their endless |
| products does not necessarily mean expensive. This | | | | efforts, they are able to help small farmers |
| is because Fair Trade is actually an alternative | | | | implement some standards that will help regulate the |
| approach to the normal consumerism as it gives light | | | | retail of these products. |
| on sustainable development for the poor producers. | | | | Knowing this, you are now aware of what Fair Trade |
| Through the prices set by the International Fair | | | | products are. If you are concerned about the |
| Trade Labeling Organization, each item purchased is | | | | products you buy, where and how they have been |
| able to provide support to the livelihood of these | | | | made, it is suggested that you support Fair Trade |
| hard-working laborers. At the same time, these prices | | | | products. By doing so, you are doing your part in |
| are able to provide for a better trading condition and | | | | encouraging bigger corporations to improve how they |
| campaigning for it. For this, consumers become aware | | | | treat their hard-working manpower. This should have |
| of the situation of these farmers and laborers. | | | | been how things are done from the start. |