Every product you purchase has a story. Maybe it was made in a factory and shipped across the world. Or it may have been handmade or harvested from someone just a few miles down the road. But no matter how the food and products you own end up in your home, someone, somewhere put in hard work to create, grow, or manufacture them for you.

Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, these workers are treated unfairly, exposed to unsafe working conditions, paid poorly, and otherwise exploited in order for big companies to make a buck. And while this certainly isn't the case everywhere, it's a problem that impacts not only people but the environment too.

Luckily, sustainability has become increasingly more important to both consumers and companies alike, and there are many brands that have put their people, producers, and the environment at the forefront of their business plan. And one way that those companies have held themselves accountable is by becoming Fair Trade Certified.

Fair Trade standards ensure that those individuals that make our coffee, chocolate, clothing, jewelry, and more are treated well, paid fairly, and are able to develop a community that is not only strong but prosperous as well.

Along with ensuring that the people and environment that create these products are cared for, every time a fair trade certified product is purchased, the people who made the item earn an additional amount of money that's pooled into something called the Community Development Fund.

Through this fund, the community as a whole is able to decide how they want to spend the funds to improve their overall community and quality of life.

To learn more about why Fair Trade matters, and how it impacts the producers at the source, check out this video from Fair Trade Certified:

Look For The Logo!

As with organic and non-GMO products, any products that are considered fair trade will have a logo on their packaging indicating that they've passed a 3rd party verification to be considered fair trade certified.

When you see the fair trade certified seal, you know that those products and brands are being held to a high standard that meets a variety of stringent social, environmental, and economic standards.

Something to keep in mind is that there are a few different 3rd party Fair Trade certifications available, so not all logos may look the same. A few different logos to look out for include Fair Trade Certified, Fairtrade International, Fairtrade America, the World Fair Trade Organization, and Fair for Life.

Fair Trade Brands We Carry

Acure — Haircare, Skincare
Alaffia — Skincare
Alter Eco — Chocolate
Annie's — Mac and cheese, snacks, etc.
Badger Balm — Balms, skin care, sun care
Cocomama — Cake, brownie mix
Divine Chocolate — Chocolate bars
Dr. Bronner's — Castile soap
Ecolips — Lipbalm
Endangered Species Chocolate — Chocolate bars
Equal Exchange — Chocolate, coffee
Frontier Co-op — Spices
Honest Tea — Tea
Lily's — Chocolate
Numi Tea — Tea
Runa — Natural Energy Drinks
Spectrum — Cooking oil
Stash Tea — Tea
Tony's Coffee — Coffee
Wholesome — Sugar, candy
… and so many more!

Fair Trade Gifts To Give This Holiday Season

What's a better gift than one that's fair trade? We've got quite a few fair trade products available in our 2nd-floor gift shop. Here are just a few to consider!