It can feel nearly impossible as individuals to affect issues like human rights and the health of our environment on a global scale.
Many people feel like they want to do something but have no idea where to start, not realizing the power tool for change that they carry with them everywhere, every day: their wallet.
Every dollar we spend is a show of support for the production practices, working conditions and wages paid to bring us the food and products that we need and want. By seeking out and buying fair-trade goods — or “buying fair” — each of us can confidently support a business approach that ensures safe working conditions, environmental responsibility and fair wages for farmers, workers and artisans.
Fair-trade goods are getting more and more popular as people learn that they can support ethical business practices around the world by choosing to buy everyday items like coffee, bananas, tea, chocolate and sugar fair trade. “Buying fair” is as simple as trying a new brand, and the prices of fair-trade goods are only about 2% more than conventional goods of the same quality. Pasadena is now the second city in Southern California to be declared a “Fair Trade Town.”
Pasadena achieved this designation by showing that fair-trade items are widely available in area stores, and that the community and local government care about using their purchasing power to buy fair. Next time you need groceries or a gift or home goods, choose a store that sells fair-trade items, look for the Fair Trade Certified logo, and use your everyday purchasing power to make a change in the world.
Diana Percival
Pasadena
