Did you know that the food we eat, the coffee we drink and the clothes we wear can be placed into one of two categories?
Those categories are either unfair or fair trade.
What is fair trade?
Fair trade is an approach to business with developing countries based on dialogue, transparency and respect. This movement supports farmers and artisans who are socially and economically marginalized.
Fair trade goods are just that. They’re fair. And in a world where people are exploited for profit, everyone should understand why every purchase matters.
Here are four reasons why Christians should care about fair trade.
1. Unfair trade leads to hopelessness.
Poverty produces desperation. Desperation produces exploitation. Exploitation produces suffering. Suffering produces hopelessness.
The hopelessness of poverty is not God’s plan. Rather, the Bible is clear that God’s people are to intervene to keep people from becoming desperate and exploited as slaves or prostitutes, or end up with diseases and addictions that have been forced on them. The Lord requires that we make an investment in the lives of the impoverished.
“Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with regard to you falter, then you are to sustain him, like a stranger or a sojourner that he may live with you” (Lev. 25:35 NASB).
2. Fair trade insures fair wages, child rights and humane working conditions.
God requires us to give the poor worker “his wages on his day before the sun sets, for he is poor and sets his heart on it; so that he will not cry against you to the Lord and it becomes sin in you” (Deut. 24:15 NASB).
Prompt and fair payment is critical for life to those who may go without food, shelter, clothing or dignity, because of their poverty.
3. Fair trade restores dignity to the impoverished.
Fair trade restores dignity as women are freed from prostitution, families remain together because selling a child is no longer necessary, teens receive an education so they can choose a different plan for their lives, and communities are transformed where people for the first time have an income they can depend on.
Fair trade gives hope for a better life and restores the dignity God intended for all people. “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap” (Ps. 113:7 NASB).
4. Restoring dignity to the poor honors God.
Regard for the needs of the poor worker is required because of who God is. We need no other incentive.
“He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him” (Prov. 14:31 NASB).
What can you do?
Be a savvy fair-trade shopper by learning more about fair trade principles.
Support fair trade with your purchasing decisions with companies like WorldCrafts.
Consider a new way of viewing the products you purchase and take advantage of the opportunities around you to positively impact the lives of others. Seek out businesses like WorldCrafts that not only abide by fair trade principles, but are also making an eternal difference for impoverished artisans around the world.