A Fair Trade Christmas Carol

This time of year is known as the season of giving, and not just to our loved ones. The holiday season is renowned for its generosity and…well…goodwill towards men. In the past we have given only to ourselves, giving the least that we could for the highest return for the purpose of hoarding our money and our things much like Ebenezer Scrooge. But Scrooge had a choice, and so do we.

The ghost of Fair trade Christmas past:

In the past Fair Trade just wasn’t. After the industrial revolution and the unionization of American workers, businesses had to figure out a way to get cheap labor. Eventually outsourcing occurred. Hundreds of American companies moved their factories to other countries where labor was cheaper, to get the highest profit from their wares. While this helped out other countries by providing jobs, what wound up happening was an economy

dependent upon the mistreatment of other people. Slavery and sweatshops was simply the way the world worked.

The ghost of Fair trade Christmas present:

As of right now we have choices. While sweatshop labor and slavery still exist in the world, the products we buy and use are still created by the mistreated and underpaid, there is more being done for change. We can choose to shop ethically, and use our power as consumers to better the world, or we can do as we've always done in the past. Fair trade is a beneficial movement because it means good working conditions and fair pay for producers and farmers. With sustainable methods it is better for the environment. But most of all, when we buy fair trade, we are making a difference in the lives of other people.

The ghost of Fair trade Christmas Future:

While the future may have looked bleak for Ebenezer Scrooge, it is not so for us. Fair trade is growing stronger, and gaining in popularity. However the choice is still before us. The more we support ethical trade and raise awareness about these issues that still affect our society the stronger fair trade will become. We could also choose to remain where we are, and plateau in the progress we've already made. So this holiday season, amidst the cookies and sweaters, show your goodwill in a different way than before. Give gifts of fair trade items, or spread the word about what its' all about and show goodwill towards men all over the world!