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Here at STF, we talk about fair trade a lot. (You might even get tired of hearing it.) But during the consumer holiday season, fair trade changes life for hardworking families around the world and adds meaning to the gifts you give. Plus, it’s just darn good stuff.

Here are some tips as you seek to make your season as ethical as possible.

Commit to Buy Fair Trade
You likely won’t be able to make all your gifts fair trade—and that’s okay—but challenge yourself to find fair trade options as much as possible. Does your mom want a scarf? Find one that’s fair trade. Got an office gift exchange? Buy some fair trade chocolate. Is your uncle a coffee lover? Get him some fair trade coffee and a fair trade mug. Want to frame a picture for your grandma? Shop for a fair trade frame. And when you can’t find fair trade, try finding companies and organizations that support a cause that helps people.  

Choose the Better Choice With Free2Work
This is a great resource to educate yourself as a consumer. When you can’t find a fair trade option or something your confident will have a positive impact, Free2Work can help you pick the better option between two retailers. This website shows you which companies do not have forced, trafficked, or child labor in their production. Each company is grade based on the ethical choice the business makes. So in the absence of an A+ choice, you’ll be able to find out who got a B- and chose them over a company that got a D-. (And see below for more info on their app.)

Need Info When You’re Up to Your Elbows in Choices at the Mall? Get an App.
Apps for shoppers: Free2Work has an app that rates different companies and explains how those companies can make strides toward stopping labor abuses. Better World Shopping Guide is a similar app you can use when you’re shopping.

To increase your impact check out these apps: IJM has an app with news, maps, groups, and actions you can take. Call+Response has an app where you can participate in Chain Store Reaction on the go, demand slave free brands through photos, register your phone so the makers will know you want slave-free electronics, and more.

Shopping Lists for Online Shoppers
Check out Shopping With a Purpose on Pinterest. Many of the products are fair trade and others go to help feed families or fund adoptions. Click the link after “from” under each photo to find out more about the product.

 

 

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