So, it turns out October is an important month for the environmentally-responsible. Vegetarian Awareness month is now officially underway. And the ninth-annual Fair Trade Month has also kicked off in earnest.
Fair Trade Month is organized by Fair Trade USA. It is part of a campaign that underscores the power consumers have to make every purchase matter. In 2012 alone, more than 120 new Fair Trade Certified™ products were launched. This made it possible for shoppers to find the label in nearly every aisle of the grocery store, in restaurants and cafes, as well as online.
Throughout the month of October, ethically-minded consumers and retailers will unite to celebrate and promote the benefits of Fair Trade. Events will include a combination of educational sessions, in-store sampling programs and community gatherings to help increase awareness and sales of Fair Trade Certified products. The ultimate goal is for farmers and workers in developing countries to achieve greater impact.
The theme of this year’s Fair Trade Month is “Count Me In”. Shoppers are encouraged to take their pledge at www.FairTradeUSA.org/FairTradeMonth.
“With support from consumers and businesses alike, farmers and workers have earned more than $77 million in community development premiums to farmers and workers since 1998,” said Mary Jo Cook, Chief Impact Officer of Fair Trade USA. “Fair Trade Month is a time to celebrate this accomplishment and inspire a new generation of passionate supporters to help us deliver more impact to more people.”
Buying Fair Trade Certified products and ingredients like tea, coffee, cocoa, sugar and bananas helps ensure that consumers are getting quality products. At the same time, these purchases improve lives and protect the environment.
“Creating big impact for farmers and their families is easy,” continued Cook. “If consumers simply swap one item on their shopping list with a Fair Trade Certified item, they’ll enjoy quality products while helping others.”
Fair Trade USA works with 750 importers, manufacturers and brands to bring certified products to more than 100,000 retail locations in North America.
Another way to celebrate Fair Trade month is with Mbare.com – we offer handcrafted African Art that directly benefits the artists who produce it. At Mbare.com, we practice Fair Trade principles every day, but for Fair Trade Month we are contributing an additional 10% to our artists on all retail purchases. Visit us today at http://www.mbare.com.