National Fair Trade Month October 2021
October is National Fair Trade Month
Fair Trade Month is about supporting businesses that are fair trade certified. Fair Trade businesses seek to create a more equal international trade system through increased respect and transparency. This puts an emphasis on trading fairly with businesses from developing countries. During this month, Americans are encouraged to #FindFairTrade through stores in their own communities or by purchasing through Fair Trade partners online.
How Can I Observe Fair Trade Month
#FindFairTrade
During the month of October, search social media #FindFairTrade and use your purchasing power to support those businesses. You can also do a search for a list of retail stores and online shops.
Share fair trade resources
The actual definition of fair trade is confusing to many. Share resources from the Fair Trade Federation on your social media page or in your community to help others learn.
Join the Fair Trade Federation
If you are a business owner, you can become a member online. This membership comes with benefits like a business community, annual conference, and other leadership opportunities.
Myths about Fair Trade
It's Charity
Fair Trade is not a charity. Fair Trade is a global movement that makes sustainable development goals for small businesses, such as local farmers and artisans, a reality. It is about providing quality products, improving lives, and protecting the environment.
It's more pricey
Most fair trade items are competitively priced with American goods that are also handmade.
It takes away U.S. jobs
Most of the products and services offered through fair trade are not generally available in the U.S. These unique products represent diversity, and culture, and are not replacing US products and services.
Why Should I Support Fair Trade Month?
It supports a fair system
The Fair Trade Federation is a non-profit trade association that provides support to and promotes US businesses that they recognize as being entirely committed to the principles of fair trade. The business is held accountable for operating under a higher standard of respect and transparency.
It's about creating opportunity
The fair trade system spreads this opportunity to developing nations and business people. This helps business owners and entrepreneurs in developing countries have a chance to succeed in creating their own business and well-being.
It's fun!
While searching for new businesses that are Fair Trade certified, you'll find all kinds of unique, international products, cultures, and ways of life that you may not normally find.
