To stop the degradation of the global environment we have to deal with the failings of global trade, namely its tendency to increase poverty and its exploitation of the weak. Buying products labelled 'Fairtrade' is a good start.

The Fairtrade collection of organisations have developed a Fairtrade Certification Mark. When you find a product that bears this mark, you know that it has been procured through a process that has helped deliver better trading conditions to marginalised producers and workers. This usually involves setting a fixed and guaranteed price for the base commodity (eg coffee, cocoa) that is paid to the farmer regardless of variation in the markets and the machinations (and margins) of the middlemen.

The Fairtrade Labelling Organization's mission is to 'enable sustainable development and empowerment of disadvantaged producers and workers in developing countries'.

By buying Fairtrade-labelled products you are ensuring farmers and product makers in the developing world are receiving a fair cut of the money you spend.

Do it now!

Buy Fairtrade-certified products - The fair trade label and program has been applied to the following range of products in Australia. Click on the product category to go to the Fairtrade Association of Australia & New Zealand and find out where you can buy these products.

• roasted & instant coffee
• green, black and herbal teas 
• chocolates, drinking chocolate & cocoa
• rice 
• sugar
• quinoa
• sports balls
• garments made from Fairtrade cotton.

Support the Fairtrade Labelling Organization - Because of the labelling programs run by Fairtrade, over one million farmers and workers from over 50 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America are receiving higher wages for their efforts than they otherwise would have. This also improves the lives of their dependents - estimated to be another four million people.

Why this action is important

A unique feature of Fairtrade is its focus on development; the certification system is specifically designed to facilitate capacity building and the empowerment of smallholder producers and disadvantaged workers in developing countries.

As well as ensuring workers and farmers in developing countries receive a more equitable return for their goods, the Fairtrade organization works with them to improve the efficiency, health and education of their communities. In addition, they encourage farming and production practices that are environmentally sustainable.

From the perspective of a Western consumer, Fairtrade labelling allows you to buy products produced in developing countries with the knowledge that you are not exploiting another person or the environment.