Where to Shop Fair Trade

Fair trade is fair system of exchange between global producers and marketers. Products, such as grains and crafts are produced by artisans throughout the world and they are paid fairly for them. Fair trade improves the lives of low-income artisans, farmers and their families allowing them to make a living wage and gain skills. It allows families and communities to break the cycle of poverty. It empowers developing countries, creating a sustainable and positive change throughout the world.

Fair trade is not about making a profit. It puts the artisan and the farmer first, by treating them fairly and getting their product out to consumers, unlike many companies today, that have the bottomline as top priority and workers and the environment secondary.

When shopping through the following stores, you can be assured that you are buying from companies dedicated to fair working conditions and fair wages.

Bead for Life

Bead for Life has enabled Ugandan woman, who once did back breaking work for an income that did not support the basic necessities of life, to make fair livable wages. Ugandan women roll recycled paper into beads, which make beautiful, unique jewelry. Through the Bead for Life website you can read about the community and learn what daily life is like for some of the beaders, as well as purchase the stunning jewelry their beads create. Bead for Life ships throughout the U.S.and internationally.

Fair Trade Sports

The first fair trade sports shop in the U.S., Fair Trade Sports sells sports apparel and equipment, with 100% of their after tax profits going to children's charities. All their fair trade sports equipment can be purchased through their website. They accept wholesale orders and ship throughout the U.S.

Gaiam

Gaiam was founded in 1988. Gaiam is a company that sells quality products, while adhering to strict eco and socially responsible business practices. They sell a diverse selection of fair trade gifts from around the world. Gaiam ships to all 50 states, by their website or phone. Delivery to Canada is available by phone orders only.

Global Exchange

Global Exchange is a company committed to promoting political, environmental and social justice.It was founded in 1988 as a international human rights organization. Since its beginning it has created partnerships all over the world. They have 2 shops in the Northern California Bay area and one in Portland, Oregon, in addition to their online shop. They sell coffee, chocolates, crafts, clothes and various other fair trade items. They ship in the United States and internationally.

Lucina Jewelry

Socially conscience handmade jewelry made completely from fair trade components. Search the site to learn about the artisans, finds stores in the U.S. that sell the jewelry or view the selection of beautiful jewelry and find where to purchase online.

Mercado Global

Mercado Global is a not for profit fair trade organization. Its overhead cost are covered by donations. They sell tableware, jewelry, bags, scarves and wraps all made and traded fairly with women in Latin America. Orders placed online can be shipped to the U.S. They will also ship internationally by contacting them.

Peace Coffee

Getting your coffee fix consciously is possible. A small growing company, run out of an office in Minneapolis, Peace Coffee is a company devoted to fair trade and eco-friendly business practices. They currently work with coffee cooperatives in Mexico, Sumatra, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Peru, Nicaragua and Colombia. Through their website you can order organic coffee or tea and learn more about the fair trade process and view profiles of some of the farmers. They ship throughout the U.S.

SERRV, Intl.

The website was formerly known as A Greater Gift, but they have decided to revert to their original name SERRV. SERRV has been around since 1949. The organization was created to help refugees in Europe after World War II and has since grown to help many artisan in developing countries sell their crafts around the world and make fair wages for their work. They have almost everything, from jewelry to kitchenware. They even sell gift baskets, filled with fair trade gifts. They ship throughout the United States and Canada.

Ten Thousand Villages

Since 1946, Ten Thousand Villages has been helping artisans in countries across the world. What was started out of the trunk of one womans car, has now grown into one of the largest fair trade organizations in the North America, with an online shop and over 160 retail stores across the U.S. You can find home decor, jewelry, musical instruments, things for your garden and more. They currently only ship to the continental U.S. and ship to Canada, through their separate Canada site, that can be accessed by going to the main site above.

Yachana Gourmet

Yachana Gourmet buys their cacao from small family farmers in Ecuador, paying fair trade prices and creates probably the most unique chocolate product you will find. With cacao, no added fats, preservatives or anything artificial and only a touch of cane sugar, it is the purest way to get the health benefits of chocolate. Their products are available straight through their site and at various retail outlets, like Whole Foods, across the U.S.

When you choose to buy fair trade you are helping, not just individuals, but whole communities all over the world to live their traditional ways and make a fair livable wage, while also giving them the ability to advance their lives.