10 Best Fair Trade Brands: The Fairer, The Better

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In recent years, there’s been a growing movement to support businesses that are fairer to their workers, the environment, and the communities they operate in. This is known as the fair trade movement.

Fairtrade is a global movement that aims to create a more just and equitable international trading system. Fair trade businesses adhere to a set of standards that ensure their workers are treated fairly, their products are sourced sustainably, and their communities are benefitting from their business.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to 10 of the best fair trade brands. These brands are making a positive impact on the world, and they’re producing high-quality products that you’ll love.

Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages is a fair trade brand that’s been around for over 60 years. It specializes in handmade crafts, and the company has a network of over 800 self-help groups in 35 countries.

These are groups of women who are working together towards a common goal – in this case, to earn a fair wage for their work.

Ten Thousand Villages is unique as it’s the only fair trade brand that also has a retail presence. You can visit one of their stores to purchase a beautiful home and gift items, or you can shop online. The company offers a wide range of products, and all items are fairly traded.

Global Exchange

Founded in 1986, Global Exchange is the oldest fair trade company in the US. The company’s mission is to create “a just and sustainable world by empowering people and building green and ethical economies.”

Global Exchange offers a wide range of fair trade products, including coffee, chocolate, clothing, cosmetics, and more. The company is partnered with several fair trade and organic suppliers, as well as grassroots organizations in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

You can shop online or at one of the company’s retail stores in San Francisco, Oakland, and Boulder.

Fair Trade USA

Fair Trade USA is a non-profit organization that promotes the fair trade movement. The company works to end poverty and empower people through trade.

Its mission is to enrich the lives of people in the United States and around the world through the responsible commerce and consumption of goods and services that are certified as fair trade.

In addition to a wide range of products that are certified fair trade, Fair Trade USA also offers consulting and training services. The organization is working to grow the fair trade movement by educating people about the importance of supporting fair trade businesses.

Fairtrade International

Fairtrade International is a multi-stakeholder organization that promotes responsible trade. The organization aims to enable disadvantaged workers in developing countries to improve their lives through sustainable earnings and rights at work.

Fairtrade International is the global umbrella brand for Fairtrade-certified goods. The organization has over 50 member organizations. These are organizations that have been certified to meet the fair trade standard. You can shop online or find a retailer near you that carries certified fair trade products.

World Fair Trade Organization

The World Fair Trade Organization is the umbrella brand for fair trade organizations around the world. The organization’s aim is to build “a just and sustainable world through the development of people-led and democratic cooperatives that produce and distribute Fair Trade products.” WFTO has member organizations in over 70 countries. You can shop online or visit a fair trade shop near you to buy certified fair trade products.

Equal Exchange

Equal Exchange is a fair trade company that’s been around for over 30 years. The company specializes in coffee, tea, cocoa, and vanilla.

They also sell a wide range of other products such as baking mixes, cereals, and baking ingredients. All products are fairly traded, and many are organic.

You can visit one of the company’s retail stores to purchase fair trade products, or you can shop online. Some products are certified fair trade, while others are certified organic.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters

Founded in 1981, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is the original fair trade company. The company was one of the first businesses to create fair trade coffee. Today, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters offers a variety of fair trade products, including coffee, tea, cocoa, and other specialty drinks.

All products are certified fair trade, and the company has a strong social mission. It’s committed to creating sustainable and socially responsible business practices that bring people together. The company has donated more than $100 million to social causes.

Ben & Jerry’s

This ice cream brand has always been committed to supporting fair trade. Ben & Jerry’s became the first company in the US to be both certified fair trade and certified organic.

The company sources ingredients such as cocoa, vanilla, coffee, and sugar ethically. Since the company’s founding in 1978, it has worked towards creating a socially responsible business model and making a positive impact on society and the environment.

You can buy Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in most grocery and convenience stores. The company also sells a variety of other fair trade products, including ice cream sandwiches and frozen yogurts.

Patagonia

This outdoor clothing company is a pioneer in ethical sourcing and sustainable business practices. It was one of the first companies to create eco-friendly products, and it remains committed to a responsible business model today.

In addition to producing high-quality, eco-friendly clothing and gear, Patagonia is also working to help farmers transition towards sustainable practices.

The company has created an initiative called Better Cotton to help end the use of dangerous pesticides in the cotton industry. It’s also certified as fair trade. You can buy Patagonia clothing and gear at retail stores or online.

People Tree

People Tree is an ethical clothing brand that offers beautiful pieces made from sustainable materials. The company sources certified organic fabric and offers a wide range of garments, including clothing, bags, and home items.

All products are made ethically and are certified fair trade. You can shop online or visit one of the company’s retail stores to purchase items.

People Tree also donates a percentage of its profits to charitable organizations, and it has a strong focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.

Conclusion

A brand that upholds ethical standards will make certain that its employees are provided with just compensation at every stage of the production process. This encompasses both rules and practices regarding child labor and forced labor, as well as worker safety, the ability to join a union, and the payment of a wage sufficient to support oneself.

In addition to caring about its use of resources and energy, lowering its carbon emissions and its impact on our waterways, and utilizing and safely disposing of chemicals, an ethical brand will show concern for these issues.

Lastly, an ethical brand does not utilize any animal goods at all or very few animal products. This includes wool, leather, fur, angora, down feathers, shearling, karakul, and the skin and hair of exotic animals. In an ideal world, the brand would be entirely vegan.

You are now aware of what to look for to decide whether or not a brand operates ethically. You could also choose to purchase at stores that sell brands that are made in your own country or region. It is in your best interest to do your shopping locally for several reasons, not the least of which is to lessen the impact that your internet purchases have on the environment.