FAIR TRADE IS HERE FOR TEXTILES

Fair Trade is coming to the garment industry. There have been a number of successful years now of Fair Trade penetrating the Natural Food industry with passionate and deeply committed producers and retailers - of coffee and chocolate especially. In garments and textiles, Europe is leading the way, with many hemp lines made in Romania, and Organic Cotton from India being made under Fair Trade principles and by certified manufacturers under several programs. The US is behind, but catching up. Recently I attended the Eco-Fashion Show in Las Vegas. The numbers were small but committed, with many suppliers calling their products “Fairly Traded” as they had personally adhered to Fair Trade Principles but were not actually certified. It is time we operated on trust and commitment in these areas. As we transition into Green textiles, things will become easier to access, suppliers will make plans to certify, and the whole chain will slowly link us to Eco-logic.

Here are the principles if you want to apply them to your own supply chain. I suggest that it is the wave of the future, nothing less will do.

 The Fair Trade Federation

The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is an association of businesses and organizations who are fully committed to fair trade. FTF strengthens the capacity of its members, encourages the exchange of best practices, and raises awareness about the importance of choosing fairly traded products and supporting businesses committed to fair trade principles.

 

FTF Principles and Practices

FTF members are committed to the following principles and practices in their trading relationships:

FAIR WAGES

Producers are paid fairly for their products, which means that workers are paid at least that country’s minimum wage. Since the minimum wage is often not enough for basic survival, whenever feasible, workers are paid a living wage, which enables them to cover basic needs, including food, shelter, education and health care for their families. Paying fair wages does not necessarily mean that products cost the consumer more. Since Fair Trade Organizations bypass exploitative middlemen and work directly with producers, they are able to cut costs and return a greater percentage of the retail price to the producers.

<>COOPERATIVE WORKPLACES

Cooperatives and producer associations provide a healthy alternative to large-scale manufacturing and sweatshops conditions, where unprotected workers earn below minimum wage and most of the profits flow to foreign investors and local elites who have little interest in ensuring the long term health of the communities in which they work. Fair Trade Organizations work primarily with small businesses, worker owned and democratically run cooperatives and associations which bring significant benefits to workers and their communities. By banding together, workers are able to access credit, reduce raw material costs and establish higher and more just prices for their products. Workers earn a greater return on their labor, and profits are distributed more equitably and often reinvested in community projects such as health clinics, child care, education and literacy training. Workers learn important leadership and organizing skills, enabling self-reliant grassroots-driven development. Safe and healthy working conditions are maintained and producers gain greater control and decision making power over the use of their local resources.

CONSUMER EDUCATION

Fair Trade Organizations educate consumers about the importance of purchasing fairly traded products which support living wages and healthy working conditions. By defining fair trade and conducting business in a manner that respects workers’ rights and the environment, the fair trade movement strives to educate consumers about the often hidden human costs of their “bargains.” By providing information about producers’ history, culture and living conditions, Fair Trade Organizations enhance cross-cultural understanding and respect between consumers and communities in the developing world. They also educate consumers and policy makers about inequities in the global trading system.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Fair Trade Organizations encourage producers to engage in environmentally friendly practices which manage and use local resources sustainably. Many FTF members work directly with producers in regions of high biodiversity to develop products based on sustainable use of their natural resources, giving communities an incentive to preserve their natural environments for future generations.

FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Small-scale farmers and artisans in the developing world lack access to affordable financing, impeding their profitability. FTF members that buy products directly from producers often provide financial assistance either through direct loans, prepayment or by linking producers with sources of financing. Unlike many commercial importers who often wait 60-90 days before paying producers, Many FTOs ensure prepayment so that producers have sufficient funds to cover raw materials and basic needs during production time. They also often provide other critical technical assistance and support such as market information, product feedback and training in financial management. Unlike commercial importers, FTOs establish long term relationships with their producers and help them adapt production for changing trends.

RESPECT FOR CULTURAL IDENTITY

Fair Trade Organizations encourage the production and development of products based on producers’ cultural traditions adapted for Western markets. They seek to promote producers’ artistic talents in a way that preserves cultural identity.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY

FTF members’ finances, management policies, and business practices are open to the public and monitoring by the Fair Trade Federation.

<>To Access FTF go to http://www.fairtradefederation.org/