| As many people have already noticed, there has | | | | order to ensure that producers are receiving |
| been an increase in how many products are | | | | prices that cover their cost of sustainable |
| labeled with the fair trade logo, but what does | | | | production and promote projects that augment |
| that sticker really mean and how do products | | | | social, economic and environmental development. |
| obtain one? To begin, the Fairtrade Labeling | | | | These standards are used when producers are |
| Organization (FLO) defines fair trade as an | | | | producing such things as coffee, bananas, rice and |
| alternative approach to traditional trading between | | | | other such natural resources. However, fair trade |
| producers and consumers. More or less this is a | | | | doesn't stop at natural resources. |
| social movement that promotes sustainability. | | | | According to FLO, fair trade is even used with |
| Through this producers are offered better deals | | | | products such as sporting equipment because |
| and in turn are able to improve the quality of their | | | | many workers who produce these products are |
| lives and plan for their future needs. When trades | | | | working long hours for below legal minimum wage. |
| are done fairly both parties benefit. Consumers | | | | With these policies implemented these workers |
| are able to buy products that match their values | | | | are able to provide for themselves on a more |
| and ethics and also contribute to the depletion of | | | | sustainable basis. Take a look at this video from |
| poverty. Not only are producers and consumers | | | | the FLO website and see how this is improving |
| benefiting from fair trade but there are also some | | | | the lives of producers: |
| environmental benefits to fair trade. FLO | | | | This movement is about the improvement of |
| encourages producers to use farming and | | | | people's lives. With this everyone is able to be a |
| production practices that are environmentally | | | | more conscientious producer and consumer and in |
| sustainable. | | | | turn contribute to environmental sustainability |
| The FLO uses a set of standards that are used in | | | | making for a more eco-friendly world. |