Missionaries of the Sacred

One way we can each help respect the dignity of the worker is by buying items that are made by workers whose rights are respected. If justice becomes a “selling point” for consumers, more companies will change their practices.

The principles of the Fair Trade Movement protect workers’ rights in several ways, by creating opportunities for marginalized producers, paying a fair price for goods, and ensuring that working conditions are safe and healthy. The principles of Fair Trade also include conforming to the UN Con­vention on the Rights of the Child and encouraging environmentally responsible methods of produc­tion. How do you know if a product is really “Fair Trade”? Fair Trade CertifiedTM is the trademark of TransFair USA and appears on the products they certify.

Here are some ways you can get involved in this movement:

• Try substituting Fair Trade items each time you go grocery shopping. Start off with one or two items. In the USA, TransFair USA certifies coffee, tea, herbs, cocoa, chocolate, fresh fruit, flowers, sugar, rice and vanilla.

• Ask about Fair Trade. If your store or coffee shop doesn’t have a Fair Trade item you are looking for, ask about it. If enough customers inquire about a certain kind of product, stores will often start to carry it.

• Find out where to buy Fair Trade Certified Products in the USA.

• Shop online for more Fair Trade products at www.worldofgood.com.