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Get ready to make a positive impact this October with Fair Trade Month, which officially kicks off on October 1! This month-long celebration raises awareness about fair trade practices and encourages consumers to support products that are ethically sourced and promote sustainable development. You might be surprised to learn that the concept of fair trade dates back to the late 1940s, when a group of activists recognized the need for more equitable trading relationships between developed and developing countries. Today, Fair Trade Month is an opportunity to make conscious choices and contribute towards creating a better world. Let's celebrate by choosing products that are good for both people and the planet!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1946</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Concept of Fair Trade Born</div><div class='timeline-text'>The idea of fair trade emerges after World War II when activists decide to create more equitable trading relationships.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1958</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Fair Trade Organization</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first fair trade organization, the Fair Trade Federation is established in the US to foster equitable trading partnerships.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1973</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Official Fair Trade Product</div><div class='timeline-text'>Guilt-free coffee from Guatemala becomes the first official fair trade product, holding farmers to specific labor and production standards.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International</div><div class='timeline-text'>In response to dropping coffee prices, the Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO) is established in the Netherlands to unite various fair trade initiatives under one banner.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Fairtrade Certification Evolution</div><div class='timeline-text'>FLO decides to separate its roles and two new independent organizations are born – FLO International to set fair trade standards and Fairtrade International to certify that they are being met.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>October 2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Fair Trade Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The inaugural Fair Trade Month takes place in October 2004 to raise awareness about ethical sourcing and trading practices.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fair trade market</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather local vendors who sell fair trade products and organize a fair trade market in your community. This is a great way to raise awareness about fair trade and support small businesses.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate others about fair trade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a presentation or workshop to educate others about the importance of fair trade and how it supports workers and communities around the world. You can also share information on social media or start a discussion group to spread the message.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support fair trade businesses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Make a conscious effort to support fair trade businesses by purchasing their products. Look for the fair trade label when shopping and encourage others to do the same.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a fair trade organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local fair trade organization and offer to volunteer your time and skills. This could range from helping with events, social media, or other tasks to support their mission.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fair trade themed dinner party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends over for a dinner party where all the food and drinks are fair trade. Use this as an opportunity to introduce others to fair trade products and support ethical and sustainable practices in the food industry.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Fair Trade ensures fair wages and working conditions for farmers and workers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One of the main reasons Fair Trade Month is important is because it helps to promote fair and ethical treatment of farmers and workers in developing countries. This means they are guaranteed fair wages and safe working conditions, creating a more sustainable livelihood for them and their families.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Fair Trade supports environmentally-friendly practices</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Products that are certified as Fair Trade must adhere to strict environmental standards. This means that they are produced using sustainable farming methods and do not harm the environment. By supporting Fair Trade, you are also supporting eco-friendly practices.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Fair Trade empowers marginalized communities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In addition to promoting fair wages and safe working conditions, Fair Trade also supports the empowerment of marginalized communities. This includes providing access to education, healthcare, and other resources that can improve their overall quality of life. By participating in Fair Trade Month, you are helping to uplift and support these communities.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fair Trade Extends Beyond Agriculture</h3><p class='facts-content'>While we often associate fair trade with agricultural products, like coffee or bananas, it's much more extensive. Handmade crafts, clothing, and even sports balls can also carry the fair trade label.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fair Trade Leads to Development Projects</h3><p class='facts-content'>A portion of the fair trade premium goes into communal funds, which communities use for development projects like schools or healthcare facilities, improving overall living conditions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The First Fairtrade Town is in the UK</h3><p class='facts-content'>Garstang in Northwest England declared itself the world's first Fairtrade Town in 2001, sparking a movement that has resulted in over 2,000 Fairtrade Towns worldwide.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fairtrade Standards Promote Biodiversity</h3><p class='facts-content'>Fairtrade standards require farmers to protect local environment and natural resources, prevent soil erosion and water waste, leading to increased biodiversity in their farms.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fair Trade Empowers Women</h3><p class='facts-content'>Women make up a significant portion of the fair trade workforce. Many fair trade operations empower women by offering leadership opportunities, training and education, and advocating for women’s rights within their community.</p></div></div>
Fair Trade Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024, Fair Trade Month will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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