Hello,
My name is Ashley and I am a journalist at Columbia College Chicago. I am currently writing a story on fair trade accessories and I was looking for some comments to add to the story. I was wondering if you could tell me why you think fair trade is so important. Any information you have will help. Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you.
Best,
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
Thanks for being in touch! Almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day. According to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty. Fair Trade is a movement to end global poverty. As consumers, we are responsible for shaping the world, for good or bad. Our dollar is our vote; there is no abstaining. Unfair trade practices are a primary cause of global poverty. Many of the products we buy are grown/made by people who are paid unlivable and unstable wages and even by childrenand slaves. Working conditions are unsafe and can lead to harm and death. With a fair trade product, the supply chain is transparent and consumers can learn the story behind their purchase. For marginalized communities, fair trade cooperatives or organizations create opportunities to break the cycle of poverty with fair wages, safe conditions, and benefits like training and health care. It’s up to consumers to seek out and support those opportunities.
Hope that helps!
Jonit