What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is a movement which supports standards for fair labor, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

Fair Trade vendors allow consumers the opportunity to make conscious decisions about their purchases and give a face to those who create their goods and give them value. Buying items that are produced using Fair Trade standards not only makes a difference in the lives of the laborer but sends a message to the global marketplace about social justice and economic self-sufficiency.

Fair Trade sales worldwide have seen an unprecedented growth in the past decade; in 2006 sales grew over 40% from the previous year accounting for over $6 billion worldwide.

           

The principles Ten Thousand Villages believes lay the groundwork for Fair Trade are as follows:

Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers

Transparency and accountability

Capacity building

Payment of a fair price

Gender equity

Good working conditions

Care for the environment

 

Fair Trade Federation         Ten Thousand Villages

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Ten Thousand Villages Asheville

10 College Street

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 254-8374