Fair Trade

Fair Trade makes a difference.

There are so many simple ways we as humanity can make a difference in the world and fair trade is definitely one way.

Fair Trade is a growing, international movement that promotes sustainability. It ensures that producers in poor countries get a fair deal. This means they receive a fair price for their goods (one that covers the cost of production) and a fair living wage that can provide education, health care, and nutrition for them and their families.

More and more people are purchasing fair trade products as the growth of Fair Trade is shown in a recent research conducted by TNS which revealed that UK consumers are continuing to buy “fair trade” products despite the financial pressures of the recession.

The figures show that consumers are actually spending more on fair trade products. The independent survey, of 25,000 households, found the cost of the average purchase grew over the last year by 5.5% from £18.19 to £19.17.

A separate survey by the TNS, commissioned by the Fairtrade foundation, found that 72% of consumers now recognize the Fairtrade mark on products from bananas to coffee, a rise from 68% in April 2009. Read more on the findings here

Just shows that people are wanting fair trade, and more than ever are questioning and becoming more aware of where their purchased products are coming from.

Fair Trade is definitely growing, in fact, today there are over 4,500 Fairtrade certified products, 450 Fairtrade Towns, more than 3,000 registered Fairtrade Schools, 100 Fairtrade Universities and Colleges, and over 5,000 Fairtrade faith groups.

Fair Trade Creates Opportunities to Alleviate Poverty

Fair trade in action creates sustainable trading partnerships and long-term contracts for the producers that can provide real security; and for many, the support to gain the knowledge and skills that they need to develop their businesses and increase sales. So just know that when you buy fair trade products, you are buying goods where “bottom line” was not the only consideration.

Choosing to purchase fair trade products means you are actually choosing quality and creating a positive impact in the lives of others, as well as bringing awareness to the fair trade movement.

Here at HUB we believe that the Global Marketplace is a way to create direct, long term impact for artisans around the world including many HUB sponsored micro loan groups, creating market access for small artisan groups and recognize that by creating more market outlets these groups will be able to further support themselves, their families, and their communities, therefore making a difference.

So next time you are ready to buy your teas and coffees or even top up on your moisturizer, take a minute to consider that by simply changing your buying habits and purchasing fair trade products you are impacting the lives of others and you know where your money goes as well as where your product actually comes from!

The HUB Global Marketplace is full of a wonderful array of products that have been produced from all around the world, from real chocolate to ecosandals, from photo albums and stationary to teas and coffees. It really does have variety. Whether you fancy a unique bracelet as a treat for yourself or a gift basket for a friend, we have it all, right down to planting fruit trees (see below) in South Africa.

Listed below are just a few of the products I mentioned above available from the Global Marketplace;

Guatemalan Yoga Mat Bag

Made by Mayan women in Guatemala, these colorful yoga mat bags have been handmade by UPAVIM women’s group. The mission of UPAVIM is to empower women and improve the quality of their lives through creating income-generation programs along with health, education, and childcare initiatives.

Each cotton yoga mat bag has an adjustable shoulder strap and a zippered pocket to hold your keys, cell phone, etc. The purchase of these one-of-a-kind bags will support the women of the UPAVIM community while adding color to your yoga practice. Support the UPAVINS Womens Group with your purchase of the yoya mat bag

Tea Gift Basket

Give a gift that brightens the lives of fair trade artisans and farmers throughout the world.

These hand-crafted fair trade gift baskets are filled with unique global products; pick from a basket filled with coffee from Ethiopia and chocolate from the jungles of Ecuador; to a basket filled with organic skin care products from Togo, West Africa. Ranging in price from $59.00 to $109.00 these baskets will bring hope and a fair income to fair trade producers and their families around the globe.

Learn more about the contents by clicking here

Bark Cloth Photo Albums

Cherish your memories while creating employment for the people of Uganda.

Uganda is a landlocked country in east-central Africa, surrounded by Sudan, Kenya, Zaire, Tanzania and Rwanda. Often overshadowed by Kenya, Uganda’s larger neighbor, few people are aware of the fine quality products that come from Uganda. A beautiful country with a troubled recent past but promising future, Uganda has a wide array of traditional crafts. ugandan_6x4-photo-album-elephant-cover

This craft group has been together for over 5 years and each day of work they receive food, transportation, a fair wage, and monthly medical attention.

These 9″ x 7″ photo albums are filled with photo display sheets for your favorite 4″ x 6″ pictures. Albums will hold 64 4″ x 6″ photos, with 2 photos per page.

Bark Cloth Photos Albums

EcoSandals -Kifaru

Create jobs for the youth of Korogocho slums by wearing these unique recycled tire sandals.

Located in Korogocho, a shantytown with a population of over 300,000 people, Ecosandals is dedicated to providing training in a sustainable and marketable skill set including business management and computer training to people living in Korogocho; one of the earth’s most materially impoverished communities. The offering of steady employment and a decent source of income to young adults living in this area empowers them to accumulate savings and invest it in their families and their futures. ecosandals

All Ecosandals are made in part from 100% recycled tire tread rubber scavenged from the Korogocho neighborhood and surrounding areas of Nairobi, Kenya. The basic sandals are enhanced with local leathers or denim, beadwork and artistic detail to create the stylish and comfortable sandals people are raving about.
Buy your first set of Ecosandals, hand-made with loving care by the dedicated Korogocho staff and you’ll never go back to the mass produced plastic shoes at your local department store.

Fruit Trees For South Africa

Put down roots in South Africa by buying fruit trees for the elders and children of South Africa.

Created by HUB member Louise Hogarth while in South Africa with her DO Ubuntu bracelet campaign, (www.orphanbracelet.org) your donation of a fruit tree will directly support the expansion of this new permaculture program.

The elders in this community have already planted three gardens with 5000 seedlings and 50 fruit trees. This project is creating a sustained food source for the women, children, and elders of this community.

Currently there are over 5.7 million people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa, with over 1,000 AIDS deaths occurring each day. Together we can help change this situation by providing much needed nutrition, income, and above all hope.

Plant Your Tree Today

Yachana Gourmet fair trade chocolate

Satisfy your sweet tooth, while supporting a fair wage for Ecuadorian farmers.

Yachana Gourmet pays farmers 200% to 300% above the local market price for their cacao and adds value by producing this delicious chocolate product. Additionally, Yachana Jungle Chocolate carries the certification of the Fair Trade Federation and all aspects of its production adhere to fair trade principles helping people of the Ecuadorian rainforest live better lives.

box-2-chocolates This is not processed chocolate with added ingredients! Unlike processed chocolate that contains milk, butter, sugar, vanilla and other ingredients, this is truly natural. Yachana Jungle Chocolate will not melt and has a long shelf-life.

These exotic chocolate treats come in a set of 3 choose from chocolate with pineapple, chocolate with macadamia nuts, and chocolate with raisins and coconuts.

Find more products at HUB’S Global Maketplace and learn how you can support the fair trade movement.