So much of what we love comes from distant countries, harvested by people we hardly think of. They may endure poor working conditions, lack education, even be forced into labor as children. Injury results from long hours without proper sustenance or safety measures, and often no program exists to support those who lose a limb or an eye to this low payed job. Products to watch include coffee, chocolate and tea among many others. Fair trade coffee attempts to reverse this cycle of exploitation through a set of rigidly established regulations.
When we purchase fair trade beans we make a commitment to individuals. The line is drawn, indicating that minimum prices for beans should be paid, nothing lower than it costs to harvest them. This discrepancy leaves workers impoverished, liable to sicken, and unable to escape their situation through poor health, injury and lack of education.
Fair trade organizations aim to rectify this situation. One method involves setting a minimum price per pound on beans so that a margin of profit can be realized at both ends. Employees of these groups will even go into the farms and help growers use organic practices which add to the safety of both consumers and workers.
Coffee producing regions are often already susceptible to poverty, disease, and lack of education. These include Ethiopia, Guatemala and Mexico. Look at your label and see exotic names there like Indonesia, Sumatra and Peru.
Consumers can force the hand of companies that turn a blind eye to labor practices. They can purchase fair trade only, and turn their back on anything which does not meet their ethical standards. They have more power than they realize.
Consider getting your friends and relatives together and seeing what happens if you all change your drinking habits, adopting a different coffee shop as your main point of purchase. You should have easy access to information about products served wherever you drink. Absence of labeling and a cheap product are signs that your previous preference did not meet your standards.
Learn to recognize the symbol for fair trade. This way, easily zone in on acceptable products when shopping. Searching on-line works too. Even purchase gift baskets filled with only ethical goodies to have sent to someone you love, and make a point of stating your devotion to the rights of human beings all over the world who often pay dearly for your inexpensive treat
Expert Milly B Stephens talks about getting the best bean to cup coffee machines available. Bean to cup coffee is simple to buy on the internet, but fair trade coffee requires research before you buy, so learn a bit before buying.