One of the great things about Fair Trade is not only what it does for people but what it can do for our planet. While ethical trade and Eco-friendliness are two different issues, they often fit together quite nicely, because the desire to help humanity and the environment often go hand in hand. Especially since the Fair Trade Principles include “cultivating environmental stewardship.” There are many ways that Fair Trade companies incorporate Eco-friendly methods into their businesses.
One common way is through farming techniques. With fair trade farming, crop rotation and cover crops are used as alternatives to pesticides
that not only harm the environment but also poison the workers. A good example of this is the banana market. Dangerous pesticides, and workers rights are very relevant
issues as bananas are highly consumed in the States and are mostly grown in foreign countries in Central America and Asia. But even now large banana companies are making positive changes toward sustainable and organic farming.
Another way that the fair trade market is embracing Eco-friendly methods is through packaging.
By using less plastics and more biodegradable products made from sustainable materials fair trade companies are not only making sure that products are safely shipped across the world but Eco-friendly as well. In addition to this, the creation of these materials provides additional jobs to the
communities they’re already serving. Not only are the creators of the products being given decent employment but those packaging said products as well.
However, one of the most tangible ways that fair trade is going green is through the products themselves. There are many fair trade products made from recycled materials of which are being sold at The Welcome Mat. Purses are being made from recycled tires, burlap bags, and even newspaper. There are figurines made from pop cans, and coasters and jewelry made from magazines. All over the world there are people taking the objects that we would throw away and turning them into beautiful things, and providing for their families in the process. By purchasing these items we are supporting these people, an ethical system of trade and production, and now a cleaner and healthier world.
that not only harm the environment but also poison the workers. A good example of this is the banana market. Dangerous pesticides, and workers rights are very relevant
issues as bananas are highly consumed in the States and are mostly grown in foreign countries in Central America and Asia. But even now large banana companies are making positive changes toward sustainable and organic farming.
Another way that the fair trade market is embracing Eco-friendly methods is through packaging.
By using less plastics and more biodegradable products made from sustainable materials fair trade companies are not only making sure that products are safely shipped across the world but Eco-friendly as well. In addition to this, the creation of these materials provides additional jobs to the
communities they’re already serving. Not only are the creators of the products being given decent employment but those packaging said products as well.
However, one of the most tangible ways that fair trade is going green is through the products themselves. There are many fair trade products made from recycled materials of which are being sold at The Welcome Mat. Purses are being made from recycled tires, burlap bags, and even newspaper. There are figurines made from pop cans, and coasters and jewelry made from magazines. All over the world there are people taking the objects that we would throw away and turning them into beautiful things, and providing for their families in the process. By purchasing these items we are supporting these people, an ethical system of trade and production, and now a cleaner and healthier world.
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