World Fair Trade Day 2008

Shop Me to We:[Responsible Style] and take action with your wallet!

Industries in developed nations, such as food or clothing companies, may provide merchandise quickly and cheaply, but speed can sometimes come at huge human and environmental costs.

Fair trade, the conscious alternative, can sometimes take longer and be more expensive, but as consumers we have the opportunity to make this human-friendly and environmentally-friendly option more accessible through our purchasing power. (Purchasing power is just a fancy way of describing the power we have as a group to create change by what we buy.)

This May 10, join Free The Children and more than 70 countries worldwide as we celebrate World Fair Trade Day. An international celebration of fair trade, World Fair Trade Day aims to promote justice in the trade of products such as coffee, tea, clothes, jewelry and so many other products.

World Fair Trade Day began in Europe when more than 2,000 fair trade shops gathered to promote global awareness for fair trade practices. This year’s theme for the day is Fair Trade and Ecology, celebrating the power of fair trade practices to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.

The industrialized world has a much bigger role in negatively impacting the environment in comparison to developing nations; however, it is the people and communities in marginalized regions whose food security, homes and livelihoods are threatened most by environmental factors, such as climate change.

Additionally, people in the developing world are also disproportionately affected by negative labour practices, such as sweatshops, unfair wages and child labour. By paying a fair price, supporting hand-production and promoting the sustainable usage of natural resources and biodegradable materials, fair trade puts people and the environment first.

Can the food we put in our bodies be affordable, fast, healthy and just? Is it possible for wholesome, fair trade foods to become normal, instead of extraordinary?

Consumers have choices with their wallets. There are more ways to find fresh produce than simply resorting to the supermarket. U-pick operations, roadside stands and farmers’ markets are options that are becoming more and more popular every day. People also have the option of joining a CSA (community sustainable agriculture) operation where consumers pay their community farmer directly in early spring and receive fresh produce throughout the season. Aware eaters are the facilitators of the upcoming age of conscious consuming.

There are also plenty of ways to find fashionable, affordable apparel that uses socially conscious manufacturing practices. For instance, Me to We: [Responsible Style] offers ethically manufactured, quality apparel for the socially-conscious consumer. Products are domestically produced, sweatshop-free and made using certified organic cotton and bamboo. In addition, 50% of the profits go toward supporting Free The Children’s development projects in rural and impoverished areas across the globe.

As consumers, we have an immense power. We can choose to purchase environmentally friendly, fair trade goods and make a positive impact with our dollars. Gilma Benitez of Columbia insists, “Why turn our mother earth into merchandise—into a source of profit and not a source of life?” We will know production is a success when it is not at the expense of people and the earth.

Small steps that make a big difference

• Challenge yourself to find out what food is being served in your cafeteria, uncover where your spirit wear is manufactured and what cleaning products your family purchases.


• Start your very own Youth in Action Group and compile a shopping guide for your community. Explore green products, fair trade options, and efforts toward sustainability in your community.


• Celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1 and World Fair Trade Day on May 10 by having a Fair Trade Fair at your school.

Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.