World Fair Trade Day -- Saturday, May 8, 2021

“As consumers we have so much power to change the world by just being careful in what we buy.” 

– Emma Watson, actor and ethical shopping advocate

Hermione Grainger is right. We can vote with our dollars for the kind of world we want and for the things we want to support.

Saturday May 8 is World Fair Trade Day. It’s the day that recognizes the power we have as consumers to change the world, one purchase at a time.

If you’re reading this, you may know all about Fair Trade. If you don’t or you would like a refresher:

Fair trade is an approach to business and to development based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system.

That’s from Fair Trade Federation, the trade organization of members who agree to ensure that the well-being of artisans and producers is of critical importance in their decision-making. Here are the Fair Trade Principles they follow:

Create Opportunities for economically and socially marginalized farmers and artisans.

Maintain Relationships with artisans and farmers that are open, fair, consistent, and respectful.

Build Capacity by helping producers create sustainable businesses and supply chains.

Raise Awareness about fair trade and inspire more people to embrace it.

Pay A Fair Price so that producers can earn a fair wage.

Support Safe and Empowering Working Conditions that are free of discrimination.

Encourage Environmental Responsibility in the use of resources and eco-friendly production.

Ensure the Rights of Children by never using exploitative child labor.

Respect the Cultural Identity of the farmers and artisans and celebrate diversity.

As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Didi Bahini works with supplier-partners in Nepal that are verified with respect to these standards. We continually work to raise the bar, not just in Nepal but at our home base in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

This pandemic has caused many of us to think deeply about our lives – what we value, how we want to show up, how we want to spend our money. Many have embraced local shopping, intentionally supporting small businesses in their area. Fair trade is another way to be intentional – choosing products that are made in ways that care about people and planet at least as much as profit. Here’s a video that tells the full story:

The pandemic has also inspired the creation of websites that feature ethical products, which makes it so much easier to shop for products that do good. Check out these websites that include Didi Bahini products: Rosette Fair Trade and Buy Good. Feel Good.

On this Fair Trade Day, I invite you to take another step forward in exercising your power as a consumer:

• Have a look at the websites mentioned above;
• Use the hashtag #buildbackfairer to find products;
• Read the packaging and the fine print when you shop.

Thank you for being intentional with the products you purchase. Thank you for choosing fair.

Now go get some Fair Trade coffee or chocolate to celebrate Fair Trade Day!