Lifestyle

What It Actually Means to Buy “Fair Trade” Food

By Josephine Baldwin-Beneich at Tulane University

The grocery store can be a dark place when you’re an over-worked, sleep-deprived college student with a dwindling monthly allowance and the munchies.

We spend a lot on food, and not always so wisely. Fortunately, there are ways to shop smarter. When you buy Fair Trade Certified™ goods, you know you’re supporting a system that adheres to strict environmental, social, and economic standards. At its core, Fair Trade seeks to:

1. Empower workers

Fair Trade ensures a safe working environment for farmers all over the world. Workers are guaranteed fair wages that allow them to support themselves and their families, and invest in their future.

2. Build communities

Instead of creating a dependency on foreign aid, Fair Trade supports the development and growth of small farms and businesses, fostering the independence of their workers and communities. Workers are able to invest revenue in community projects like schools and medical centers, all while strengthening their local economy.

3. Protect the planet

Fair Trade has strict guidelines for environmental preservation. Local ecosystems are protected by proper management of waste, energy, and water, as well as a ban on GMOs and harmful pesticides.

Now that you’re a total expert and understand the benefits of investing in Fare Trade Food, be sure to look for the following Fair Trade Certified™ products at your grocery store.

Coffee/Tea

This is an easy one to start with. There are hundreds of Fair Trade Certified™ brands of coffee and tea sold in the US today, so you’re bound to find one that you like.

Chocolate

Treat. Yo. Self (fairly).

Herbs and Spices

Thousands of small farms grow herbs and spices, but the market is still dominated by huge, multi-national corporations. Spice things up sustainably by buying Fair Trade cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, etc.

Sugars and Sweeteners

Sugar cane farmers are some of the most impoverished in the world because of fluctuating prices and inconsistent demand. You’ll make your day (and the world) a little sweeter when you buy Fair Trade sugar, honey, agave, and other natural sweetness.

Produce

Fruits and vegetables grown by happy farmers. Just look for the Fair Trade Certified™ symbol on the label.

You really can make a difference, and it can start with your grocery list. That’s a pretty sweet deal.

Check out these articles for more ways to shop sustainably:

• 26 Simple Things You Can Do To Eat More Sustainably
• What Exactly Is Sustainable Eating?
• What You Need To Know About Eating Organically
• Why You Should Care About The Environment Like Leo and Eat Sustainably