What Does Fair Trade Have to Do with Saving the Planet?
It’s not hard to agree on principle that workers should earn a living wage. But why do “fair trade” and “environmentally friendly” so often go hand in hand? Aren’t they two separate issues?
Well, yes. It’s pretty common for companies to pay decent wages to their workers while they’re busy trashing the planet. And it’s not unheard of for organic or other eco-friendly items (especially clothing) to be produced under sweatshop conditions. But when you analyze the issue, the connection becomes clear.
Empowerment = Rights = A Better Environment
Truly economically disadvantaged people are powerless to stand up for their rights – including their right to live in a safe, clean and healthy environment. They are at the mercy of whichever government, corporation or other entity happens to be controlling their little piece of the economy. Like environmental devastation, sweatshop and similar conditions occur when there is profit to be had from exploitation, and little or no enforcement of any regulations against it. The profiteering mindset is equally devastating to both workers and the earth.
When these people are given “ownership” of their livelihood (which can mean actual ownership as in a cooperative, or simply the rise in self-esteem that comes with proper reward for their work), they begin to take pride in their work and their surroundings. They are more likely to demand a cleaner environment, and will take steps to ensure that their economy (village, farm, etc.) will support their children at least as well as it does themselves.
Empowered populations – especially rural ones – benefit from practices which nurture and protect the land. No population will thrive for long without healthy soils and properly protected sources of water. The same goes for pollution – toxic substances spilled into the environment invariably affect human residents.
Fair Trade Standards Support Sustainability
Fair trade certifying organizations realize this. That is why the standards put forth by Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International specifically require habitat protection, agrochemical reduction, safe and sustainable waste disposal, soil and water conservation and other sustainable practices.
When you buy certified fair trade products, you can be reasonably sure that these items are also produced in an acceptably sustainable manner.
- Fair trade garments like these organic gloves and hat from Autonomie Project are usually also friendly to the Earth.
