Forced labor is a prominent issue in the supply chains of the electronics, apparel, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. Shopping fair trade represents a positive step toward eliminating slavery and exploitation for farmers, artisans, and manufacturers around the world. When you buy goods with fair trade stickers or labels, you take a stand against child labor and unfair treatment of workers while increasing the demand for ethical production. There are several fair trade certifying organizations, but they all help ensure that the people behind our products are compensated for their labor. By choosing fair trade products, consumers can vote with their wallets and support companies that prioritize ethical labor practices.
When most people think of shopping fair trade, coffee and chocolate are the two products that come to mind first. However, did you know that there is a wide variety of fair trade goods? From dog collars to beer, here are seven fair trade products you never knew you could buy!
Sunscreen
SPF obsessed? You and your skin will love COCOOIL Topical Sunscreen. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or hiking outside, COCOOIL is a must-have for shielding your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. Made with Fair Trade cold-pressed organic coconut oil, this sunscreen will leave you feel smooth, soft, and safe from the sun while supporting ethical business practices. Lather up!
Phone Cases
Is your phone due for a new protective case? Check out Pela Case! Pela Case is a Certified B Corp, meaning it follows strict guidelines for ethical and sustainable business practices. These phone cases are Climate Neutral Certified, 100% compostable, and manufactured in fair trade factories. Pela cases come in hundreds of colors and designs for all kinds of devices, so there’s one for everyone!
Lipstick
Want to look good while doing good? Odylique has you covered. Odylique is a cosmetics company that sells ethically made lipstick in nine different shades. The products are free of synthetic chemicals and most major allergens. They’re also organic and not tested on animals. Best of all, by swapping to fair trade lipstick, you help drive demand for makeup made by workers who were paid fairly for their labor. Read our exclusive product review here.
Soccer Balls
With the controversial Qatar World Cup still fresh in soccer (football) fans’ minds, one way in which we can all contribute to better treatment of workers in the sports equipment industry is by buying ethical balls. VOLO’s soccer balls are Fairtrade Certified and of official size and weight. Amateurs and pro-athletes alike will be glad to know that VOLO soccer balls are manufactured by workers who are paid fairly for their labor and treated with respect.
Flowers
Share the love sustainably and ethically! Whole Foods Market is proud to sell environmentally friendly, Fair Trade Certified roses in a variety of colors. Whole Foods sources its roses from a fair trade farm in Ecuador where workers enjoy decent wages, on-site medical clinics, and after-school programs for their children. The next time you brighten a loved one’s day with flowers, make the choice that will have a positive impact on the farmers who grew them with Fair Trade roses.
Dog Collars
Your pup will definitely turn heads at the dog park in this stunning Handwoven Dog Collar from Mango and Main Fair Trade Boutique! The geometric-patterned collars are handmade by workers at a fair trade workshop in Guatemala. The design includes a metal ring for dog tags and comes in two sizes so all your four-legged friends can enjoy.
Beer
Many common beer ingredients such as grain and hops are harvested with slave labor. Mongozo Beers ethically produces beer with fun flavors such as mango, banana, coconut and has won several worldwide awards for taste and quality. Mongozo Beers are made with fair trade ingredients, so you can “sip soundly” knowing your drink was made without slave labor. And, when you’re done, you can record your thoughts in Fair Trade Wind’s ethically-made Beer Tasting Pocket Journal.
