What is Fair Trade?

“Fair trade.” It’s a phrase you’ve probably heard if you been in our store, and it’s becoming an increasingly popular trend to buy fair trade goods. But what is fair trade?

Simply put, fair trade is the practice of paying artisans in undeveloped countries a fair price for their goods. It is not a charity – it is a business relationship between the artisans and the vendors that strives to promote long term relations and end the exploitation of artisans and their communities.

There is a lot of skepticism that accompanies fair trade. Many people don’t believe that in this world of capitalism and greed, vendors are truly being fair to the artisans and that they are really being ripped off under the façade of the fair trade label. Ann Inlay, one of our most passionate volunteers, understands the suspicion, but firmly believes in the fair trade system.

“I’ve been Kenya and met with some of the artisans who create the products we sell in our store. Fair trade really does make a difference in these people’s lives. I’ve heard stories of people who were given hope because of fair trade. They are grateful for it.”

One Fair World represents hundreds of artisans in 36 different countries and those numbers are continually growing. By purchasing fair trade, whether it be coffee or jewelry or art, you are supporting a global effort to make fairness a standard in the international market.