Fair Trade what does it really mean?

We just brought in an adorable little line from Yellow Label. As I am unpacking the cutest little knitted veggies and gnomes, I noticed the very large label they have attached to each item stating that they are Fair Trade. As soon as I notice a customer asked, "What does that really mean?, it seems like everyone is saying they are a Fair Trade Company".

So I looked on the Yellow Label website, which says the following: Yellow Label Kids is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, which is an association of businesses that are committed to following fair trade principles. As an FTF member, we have been through a selective, independent screening process to verify that our business practices meet Fair Trade standards.


So off to the Fair Trade Federation website. Here's the gist of what they're trying to accomplish:

• Strengthen and promote North American organizations that are fully committed to fair trade.


• As part of the global fair-trade movement, build and strengthen equitable and sustainable trading partnerships and help alleviate poverty.


• Create a sustainable, global economic system where purchasing and production decisions are made with concern for people and the environment.

As I am browsing through the site I see a tab for shopping, me a person who loves to shop naturally checks this out. Not only did I find some really cool "Fair Trade" toys and gifts to bring in the store, but I was also able to find some local Fair Trade companies. I am all for supporting local companies first and foremost.