How to Buy Fairtrade Products

As we become more eco-friendly and green-minded, people are looking at their purchase-power to change their environment for the better. Although many buying habits are just that, habits, it takes little effort to change them to be environmentally-friendly. Understanding the why’s and how’s of green purchasing is the first step to making a real change in your buying habits so that they positively affect the environment. Fairtrade items are certifiably green and have no negative effect on the environment. Following the next few tips can help you on find the path to green purchasing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Initiative

1. The first step to identifying Fairtrade products is to look for the FLO label. FLO is the Fairtrade Labeling Organization. It has stringent directives that have to be passed by products to get the stamp of approval. Many agricultural products like coffee, rice, fruit, chocolate, tea, herbs and spices are available through Fairtrade. Although they are looking into supporting other types of items in more than 50 countries, the FLO currently only supports agricultural products.
2. Fairtrade products have to be produced using the following criteria:
   
   They must be fairly priced. This means you will get floor prices on these products and as a bonus, they are guaranteed to be organic.
3. Fairtrade products support fair work conditions and avoid things like child labor and underpaid workers. They are also sold through direct trade and avoid middlemen who can drive up prices and attempt to drive up production and down pay scales.
4. Fairtrade products benefit community development and support local groups where they are produced as well as allowing the producers to democratically decide how to handle the revenue from sales. So look for the FLO sticker and be sure that you’re buying responsibly.