Green Cotton

“We are a grass roots, nonpartisan coalition, of fair trade organizations, vendors, retailers, schools, individuals and consumers”. – Fair Trade the White House

February 2009, Anti-Body (anti-poverty, beautiful body), a fair trade body-care company, initiated a bold move: to create a more just American marketplace by starting with the White House and a grassroots level campaign. Now, six months later, the campaign has gained remarkable steam with everyone from company founders, socially conscious celebrities to everyone in between, joining the movement.

Why Fair Trade the White House? We are inviting the First Lady, Michelle Obama, to declare the White House a “Fair Trade Home” because we recognize that the Whitehouse is a model home for all Americans, and that if the White House can be fair and ethical in its purchases, then its a good reason for others to follow.

So what exactly do we mean by “fair trade”? While it is true that fair wages are part of  being “fair trade”, certified fair trade products go beyond wages to include investments in community and economic development. Fair trade means building direct, long-term, and empowering relationships with economically and socially marginalized producers in developing countries. It also means supporting community development and cultural diversity. All told, fair trade companies and fair trade products support a more sustainable marketplace by directly investing in the communities from which products are made.

How do we know if something is fair trade? There are several labels to look for. First, Transfair USA is the only fair trade certifying entity in the United States at the moment. Currently they are set up to certify a handful of products including coffee, tea, cocoa, other beverages and a few other products. You have probably seen their logo (below). Transfair USA started with coffee then moved on to other food products, but they currently do not do home goods, crafts or textiles. They are piloting a certification for textiles, but that is not yet released. So if you see this logo, you know you are buying a fair trade certified product.

Transfair USA (certified Fair trade product) logo shown above.

The European based Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) www.fairtrade.net also certifies products, but it is less common to see this logo on US products.

FLO logo (above) mostly used for European products.

But what about the thousands of products in our marketplace that are not even eligible for this certification? How do we know if something is fair trade? Well, it turns about there is another organization, Fair Trade Federation www.fairtradefederation.org, which evaluates companies (and not products) for their fair trade practices and commitment to social responsibility. Members of Fair Trade Federation have a demonstrated commitment to social responsibility, fair trade and worker rights. Members of FTF are also allowed to use the FTF logo (here). In addition to FTF, companies can also be evaluated by the World Fair Trade Organization (www.wfto.org).

Fair Trade Federation (FTF) Logo featured above. FTF evaluates companies as fair trade (not products).

Back to Fair Trade the Whitehouse… There are still countless products in the American marketplace that are made under unfair, exploitative working conditions by American or other companies overseas. These entities often  make no long-term investments in these economically marginalized regions of the world from which they are extracting inexpensive labor. This model is very short-term oriented and does not address the long term health and development of these communities. By being more cognizant of where and how our products are made, and choosing to support fair, ethical and sustainable products, we can make a very powerful difference. It may sound simple, but when each of our choices add up, it can make a world of difference. That is precisely why we are asking the White House to consider this as well, since the Obama household has the power to influence so many of us.

Photosource: Whitehouse.gov

Mrs. Obama has already demonstrated a remarkable sense of public service, compassion and charisma at the Whitehouse. With her powerful voice, Michelle has the ability to lead by example (and has already done so!). From her Whitehouse “community” organic garden (involving local city kids), to her support for military families, enthusiasm for increasing national service, and prioritizing her family above all, she is the ideal role model for all. Beyond her accomplishments too is her incredible sense of style: seamless and natural, something we here at Green Cotton appreciate!

So what better person to take on the goal of creating a more fair and just marketplace in America? To help Michelle along in her decision, the campaign is furnishing her with some Fair Trade products to sample and see for her self. During the coming months, the campaign will gather as many online signatures from consumers and organizations as possible to show the First Lady the momentum and support of the fair trade movement.

So check out all the supporting companies and retail shops as well as individuals and other non profits who have already backed the movement on www.fairtradewhitehouse.com. The campaign also offers coupons to some of these great companies like Equal Exchange, Respect Fair Trade Sports and others.

Join in this important initiative by inviting the First Lady to declare the White House a “Fair Trade Home” and help promote the movement. Simply click on the website and sign your letter too! It only takes 10 seconds! Fair trade the Whitehouse has some great materials to print off and distribute, so get them today and start spreading the word! Thank you Anti-body for initiating this great cause.

Source: Fair Trade White House