Archive for August, 2009
Fair trade is more than just a social movement – it’s an organized response to what some skeptics term “capitalism run amok.” Critics of free trade label claim that it allows wealthy Western nations and large corporations to exploit small producers in Latin America, Africa and other areas of the developing world. According to the fair trade approach, producers are paid enough to live comfortably and make their operations sustainable. Some of the more progressive retailers have made a special effort to carry fair trade products, which commonly include coffee, tea, bananas, sugar and even cotton to make clothing. Fair trade coffee doesn’t represent a political statement, however. It’s more an expression of solidarity with the people who put their hard work and dedication into bringing us quality products