The Seal That Is Changing the World
This global movement uses something extraordinary to meet social, environmental, and economic standards in the world of food production, the Fair Trade Certified Seal. Since 1998, Fair Trade USA's organization has promoted sustainable development, corporate social responsibility, safe working practices, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and community development funding worldwide. For these reasons, I feel that this wonderful organization needs to be recognized!
Cultural Importance
As a lover of Anthropology and Human Geography, I am happy to see how critical Fair Trade USA is to unique cultures. The organization helps people of these cultural communities succeed economically and socially through their IMS (Impact Management System) that keeps them afloat by protecting their well-being.
How It Affects Them
Fair Trade workers are given a voice within their workplaces and are empowered regardless of gender, status, position in society, or geographical location, which is a very important concept to me. The workers' communities also receive CDF (Community Development Funds) for their work. This is acquired when the business generously pays an additional sum of money above the purchase price to send to the working community that produced the product.
How It Affects Us
"How does this affect me?" you might be asking. At the end of this beautiful process, you receive quality and healthy food sent directly to your local grocery store! Now more than ever, American consumers need sustainably made products and are more likely to try a product made by a company that is mindful of its impact on the environment and society, such as products produced with the assistance of Fair Trade USA.
What You Can Do to Help
You can support Fair Trade USA by simply searching for the Fair Trade Certified seal in your local grocery store. For example, Fair Trade Certified products can be found at Publix, Aldi, Target, Whole Foods Market, and more. Also, you can search for the types of products you like and look into buying them from companies who work with Fair Trade USA. I have discovered that these companies can range from smaller brands like Sambazon to Dole's famous produce brand. I would highly recommend Sambazon’s acai bowls if you happen to come across them!
So please, consider looking into Fair Trade Certified products that help the environment and cultural communities worldwide, one seal at a time.
Visit Fair Trade’s official website: https://www.fairtradecertified.org
Watch Fair Trade’s official promotional video: