Fairtrade Foundation Supports Disadvantaged Farmers

Tuesday 07th of February 2012 02:59:49 PM

Fairtrade Foundation Supports Disadvantaged Farmers

The Fairtrade Foundation is a not-for-profit company that certifies the clothing it sells is made from cotton grown under fair trade conditions by farmers in developing and emerging economies. The company holds a fashion and trade show called Fairtrade Fortnight the last week of February and the first week of March. This year it's called 'Take a Step for Fairtrade'.

Fairtrade Fortnight encourages all types of clothing to be showcased that are made with Fairtrade certified cotton. The company is encouraging designers, manufacturers and retailers to insist on fair trade practices. Fair trade practices assist struggling farmers while also reducing the carbon footprint on the environment due to less use of fuel and synthetic fertilizer. Organic cotton is increasing in popularity as consumers become more aware of how clothes are made. It is now used in a number of clothing lines and for all types of garments including t-shirts.

The economic crisis gripping the fashion industry has not prevented the production of new Fairtrade products. In fact, the Fairtrade Foundation certification can now be found on items such as pillows and duvets due to the addition of a composite product policy indicating the product is made with organic cotton and a blend of other materials. The Fairtrade Foundation encourages businesses to adopt the Fairtrade certification into their product lines to differentiate their lines while also showing social responsibility.

There are over 1,500 Fairtrade Foundation certified products now sold. The foundation will work with 1.5 million struggling farmers around the world this year. The goals are to to help help them earn a fair wage while working in safer conditions. One day, when you pick up one of the sweatshirts at your favourite store or shop online for a true bargain, don’t be surprised if you see it has been Fairtrade Foundation certified.