Summer Holidays
Before I speak of my views on Fairtrade, it would first make sense to give a reason as to why I am writing about Fair Trade in the first place, especially since this is my first post. Two reasons, the first being I am currently a theology student studying a BA Degree at Cliff College, and therefore ethical discussions are of an interest. Secondly, it is the summer holidays for all students, and for me personally the summer holidays has consisted of me spending 5 days a week working for a Fair Trade Wholesale company called Jurang.That being if I have been able to get up in time...
Combining these two reasons should hopefully mean that I have learnt a little about ethics and Fair Trade, and therefore it seems appropriate as my job comes to an end and the beginning of my second year studying begins, to write some of my thoughts on Fairtrade.
What is Fairtrade anyway?
Fairtrade Definition - trade that satisfies certain criteria on the supply chain of the goods involved, usually including fair payment for producers.
It seems the best way to explain Fairtrade is by defining it as a vision; a vision to set right unequal trading relationships which often exist between the western world and developing countries. Or in a less technical sense, Fairtrade ensures that everyone involved in a trade, for example the selling of coffee, is fairly paid...
'Is that it?' Yes, thats it. If thats it, then it may seem like Fair Trade isn't really much of a big deal and therefore nothing to bother getting 'involved in'. At least, thats what I thought, until I looked into the reasons as to why all of a sudden a group of people decided to make a stand; a stand against the injustice of unfair trade. The benefits of Fairtrade do not become evident until one grasps with clarity the sheer scale of unfair trade along with the depth of poverty it can and does cause millions oversees... all because those in the Western world enjoy a nice cup of warm coffee in the morning whilst watching Jeremy Kyle.
Before I started working for Jurang Wholesale Ltd, I was already someone who was bothered by people stating: 'well its not my fault' or 'well what difference does it make if I do something, Im just one person'. True, however some of us Westerners may appear to be two people unfortunately... Either way, it makes a massive difference. If that one cup of coffee has been unfairly traded, there is a strong possibility that farmers in countries oversees are being so badly paid that they can only just about afford to survive. For me, when its that black and white, it seems completely unethical to buy anything but Fair Trade.
Unfortunately, I do not have the time to go into specifics concerning exactly how much of a difference Fair Trade makes for those that otherwise would be badly affected due to Western consumerism. However, it is very easy to find out such facts, simply type 'Fairtrade' in Google, or have a look at some explanatory videos on YouTube. Anyway, thats probably enough rambling. I hope that this has not come across as a negative post, but rather highlights the positive work that Fairtrade does and all those that strive to support the vision it has. God desires justice above all things, and therefore His creatures should do so likewise.
Thanks for reading!
Before I speak of my views on Fairtrade, it would first make sense to give a reason as to why I am writing about Fair Trade in the first place, especially since this is my first post. Two reasons, the first being I am currently a theology student studying a BA Degree at Cliff College, and therefore ethical discussions are of an interest. Secondly, it is the summer holidays for all students, and for me personally the summer holidays has consisted of me spending 5 days a week working for a Fair Trade Wholesale company called Jurang.That being if I have been able to get up in time...
What is Fairtrade anyway?
Fairtrade Definition - trade that satisfies certain criteria on the supply chain of the goods involved, usually including fair payment for producers.
It seems the best way to explain Fairtrade is by defining it as a vision; a vision to set right unequal trading relationships which often exist between the western world and developing countries. Or in a less technical sense, Fairtrade ensures that everyone involved in a trade, for example the selling of coffee, is fairly paid...
'Is that it?' Yes, thats it. If thats it, then it may seem like Fair Trade isn't really much of a big deal and therefore nothing to bother getting 'involved in'. At least, thats what I thought, until I looked into the reasons as to why all of a sudden a group of people decided to make a stand; a stand against the injustice of unfair trade. The benefits of Fairtrade do not become evident until one grasps with clarity the sheer scale of unfair trade along with the depth of poverty it can and does cause millions oversees... all because those in the Western world enjoy a nice cup of warm coffee in the morning whilst watching Jeremy Kyle.
Before I started working for Jurang Wholesale Ltd, I was already someone who was bothered by people stating: 'well its not my fault' or 'well what difference does it make if I do something, Im just one person'. True, however some of us Westerners may appear to be two people unfortunately... Either way, it makes a massive difference. If that one cup of coffee has been unfairly traded, there is a strong possibility that farmers in countries oversees are being so badly paid that they can only just about afford to survive. For me, when its that black and white, it seems completely unethical to buy anything but Fair Trade.
Unfortunately, I do not have the time to go into specifics concerning exactly how much of a difference Fair Trade makes for those that otherwise would be badly affected due to Western consumerism. However, it is very easy to find out such facts, simply type 'Fairtrade' in Google, or have a look at some explanatory videos on YouTube. Anyway, thats probably enough rambling. I hope that this has not come across as a negative post, but rather highlights the positive work that Fairtrade does and all those that strive to support the vision it has. God desires justice above all things, and therefore His creatures should do so likewise.
Thanks for reading!
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