What's Fair is Fair

In our class discussion we mentioned the history and current use of exploitation to make a profit. It’s not surprising that capitalist and imperialist nations thrive from the control of cheap energy, raw materials, and labor because they insure a large profit. Nearly all developed countries have used these ideals to establish their prosperity.

I am reminded me of a unique experience I was privileged to have a few years ago. I went to Belize, Central America to participate in humanitarian work for a few weeks during summer vacation. Our team has been involved in building schools, distributing food and farming tools, and educating the people in more efficient farming techniques.

During my trip, I met men who worked in sugar cane fields making only a couple dollars a day. My team leader bought sugar cane and habanero fields, unlike other US agricultural pimps; his goal is not to exploit this land for its resources. He pays fair wages, in fair working conditions, and has a plan to sell it to a group in the community and supervise its entrance and commitment to the fair trade market. Fair trade “empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace.” Products are bought at a fair price. There are fair labor conditions, which mean there is no child labor, safe working conditions, and respectable wages. The farming methods are also environmentally sustainable! (TransFair USA)

I am not comfortable with knowing that some of the products I enjoy most are holding a community in the death grip of poverty and are destroying land. Therefore, I make the choice (as much as possible) to buy fair trade products. Sometimes, I have to pay a little more money but it’s so worth it! Imagine- If the masses choose fair trade products? Impoverished communities all around the world have the opportunity to improve their quality of life. There may be agricultural changes in the States because businesses are no longer profiting from whoring the third world. They would have to pay the workers more, along with the cost of all that energy for machines and transportation. Businesses may also choose to use methods that will preserve the ecosystem just to compete and please consumers. This could lead to an enriched global community and a healthier planet.

http://www.transfairusa.org/content/about/overview.php

I am uncertain if the farm in Belize is certified by Transfair USA; this organization was used as a resource to better understand all that fair trade stands for.