$250 billion. That is how much developing countries lost to falling commodity prices in the space of 22 years. Commodities are things like sugar, cocoa, tea and cotton. During that same period, the prices of those same items have gone up. The farmers/producers are being paid less (despite the rising costs in their own country) and the suppliers are charging more. Now when you see a global company announcing profits in billions, you know why.
Fair trade isn’t just about getting a better deal for farmers, but also a better life. For example no business using child labour or slave labour can be registered as fair trade. To add to that the fair trade organisations also build schools, medical facilities and other infrastructure for the people they buy from. Talk about changing the world.
You can be a part of that change. Fair trade items are sometimes more expensive than other products but it is for good reason. Imagine being paid £1 for 10 hours work. In a year you would have made £365 before rent, bills and food. Impossible right? But this is their reality. The extra 10 to 20p you pay for a fair trade product does go a long way and ensures a brighter future for the producers and their children. The next time you eat that bar of chocolate, or have a cup of tea you would know that you’ve made a difference. A world where your daily routine brings change to others is a beautiful one indeed.
Go for change, go for fair trade.
Immanuel Byoma
No comments:
Post a Comment