Beginner's Guide to Fair Trade

This is the first post in a short series about the value of fair trade products.

Why should you buy fair trade products?

Rather than consuming more and more in the all-out race to own the most, the best, and the newest products in America, imagine beginning to leave this competition. Purchasing products created and traded fairly is one way to do so. You can start small, with fair trade coffee or chocolate. As you learn more about fair trade, you will see the beauty in the process – something we hope to establish and encourage at A Global Friendship.

One of the artisans in the Peruvian community where AGF works

Ideally, buying fair trade products supports developing communities. At AGF, we work hard to ensure that this is actually the case – proceeds go back to the artisans we partner with, as well as their communities. Essentially, AGF is the liaison between our wonderful partners in the field and the stores that sell their products throughout America. Our work encompasses everything from product development, business development, and community development projects - all of which help improve quality of life for others on their own terms. As a liaison, we shorten the supply chain, cutting out the big box store or the retail giant. Profits can go back to partners in communities in Thailand, Indonesia, and Peru.

What should you look for in fair trade products?

                  Always look for products that are made with sustainable materials, like bamboo  or linen. Without sustainable materials, the materials may have been made in a factory somewhere. Unsustainable fabrics may be causing more damage to the environment, too, even if they are labeled fair trade. At AGF, many of our bracelets are made with waxed linen.

                  Always look for organizations that disclose how they fund their work and where they send donations. It’s even better if the organization is a certified non-profit, like AGF, that readily informs their buyers. AGF products are fun, beautiful, and stylish, but AGF takes trade seriously as well. We want our artisans to make money and do something they love!

                  The blog will be covering more about fair trade in coming weeks, and we can’t wait to tie this in with our holiday season blogging!