Ethical Sourcing Storytelling: Why it’s Important for Retailers and Brands
Fair Trade month is observed in October to raise awareness about fair trade practices and products. It’s a time to celebrate ethical and sustainable shopping and support products that prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental responsibility. When products are sold as Fair Trade Certified, a fraction of the sale returns to the producer communities as Community Development Funds. These funds allow farmers and workers to invest in development projects that address their community’s greatest needs, such as water, education, housing, and healthcare.
Fair trade empowers producers and enables businesses to support sustainable livelihoods, safe working conditions, protection of the environment, and community development.
Fair Trade and workers’ protections
Farmers, fishers, and factory workers often face challenges. In 2022, the United Nations reported that nearly 3 million people around the globe die every year due to risk factors in the workplace, including accidents, work-related diseases, and extreme working hours. The benefits of strong workplace safety standards are immeasurable for workers and their families.
When a company’s safety standards are verified through a reputable third-party organization, brands, retailers, and traders can source their products with confidence, improving traceability and credibility for their business and align with consumers who care …