October is an important month for ethical consumerism, as it marks Fair Trade Month. This is an opportunity to celebrate the movement's practices and raise awareness of the critical need for fair trade. Fair trade is a worldwide initiative that promotes better trading conditions and supports the rights of marginalized producers and workers in developing countries. By purchasing fair trade products, consumers can make a significant difference in the lives of those who are often exploited by the current global economic system.
Why is Fair Trade important?
Fair trade is a system that prioritizes ethical and sustainable production methods, and ensures that producers receive fair compensation for their labor. It guarantees that producers receive fair prices for their goods, work in safe conditions, and have access to education and healthcare.This is especially important in industries that are historically exploitative, such as coffee, chocolate, and clothing.
During Fair Trade month, consumers are encouraged to choose products that bear the fair trade label, which indicates that the product meets certain standards for ethical production and fair compensation. By choosing fair trade products, consumers can make a positive impact on workers and communities around the world.
Fair Trade month is also an opportunity to learn more about the importance of fair trade and to advocate for policies that prioritize ethical and sustainable production methods. By supporting fair trade, we can help to create a more just and equitable global economy for all.
About MADI Apparel:
MADI Apparel is a socially conscious lingerie and loungewear brand that combines comfort and style with a mission to make a positive impact on the world. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, MADI Apparel was founded in 2012 by Hayley Besheer, with the aim of creating comfortable, sustainable, and ethical underwear that empowers women.
MADI Apparel is committed to using sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics, and all of their products are made in the USA using fair labor practices. In addition, for every item purchased, MADI Apparel donates a pair of underwear to women in need. These donations are made to women's shelters, disaster relief organizations, and other non-profits that support women in need. MADI Apparel offers a range of products, including bras, underwear, sleepwear, and loungewear, all designed with comfort and sustainability in mind. Whether you're looking for something cozy to wear around the house, or something a little more special for a night out, MADI Apparel has got you covered.
The MADI Apparel founder also recently wrote and self-published a book about ethical fashion. For a limited time only, Macaroni KID readers can use promo code hayleyscrew at checkout on Hayley's book "The Art of Ethical Fashion". (Offer ends Sunday, October 22, 2023.)
About GOEX Apparel:
GOEX Apparel is a company that produces high-quality clothing while providing living wages and good working conditions for their employees. Their mission is to create a positive impact on the world through ethical and sustainable production practices. GOEX Apparel was founded in 2010 by a group of individuals who wanted to make a difference in the fashion industry. They recognized the need for transparency and ethical practices in clothing manufacturing, and set out to create a company that would prioritize both quality and social responsibility.
Today, GOEX Apparel is a leader in ethical fashion, offering a wide range of products made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. They are committed to reducing waste and minimizing their environmental impact, while also supporting fair labor practices and empowering their workers. If you are looking for a company that values social responsibility and sustainability, GOEX Apparel is definitely worth checking out.
Examples of other fair trade businesses:
- Sseko Designs is a socially conscious fashion brand that creates high-quality sandals, shoes, bags, and accessories. The company was founded in Uganda in 2008 by Liz Forkin Bohannon, with the goal of empowering women through education and employment. Sseko Designs provides jobs and scholarships to young women in Uganda, and also partners with artisan groups in other countries to create unique and sustainable products. The company's signature product is the Sseko sandal, which has interchangeable straps that can be tied in a variety of ways, offering endless possibilities for customization. In addition to its commitment to social impact, Sseko Designs is also dedicated to sustainability and ethical production practices. The company uses eco-friendly materials whenever possible and works with small-scale producers to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions.Overall, Sseko Designs is a brand that combines style, quality, and social impact in a way that truly makes a difference. By supporting Sseko, you can help empower women and promote sustainable, ethical fashion.
- Noonday Collection is a fashion and accessories company that partners with artisans and businesses in vulnerable communities around the world to create handmade and ethically-produced products. The company was founded in 2010 by Jessica Honegger, who was inspired to start the business after a trip to Uganda where she met artisans making jewelry and accessories out of local materials. Noonday Collection's mission is to create meaningful opportunities for people in vulnerable communities to earn a dignified income, work in safe and empowering environments, and use their skills to create beautiful products. The company also aims to promote sustainable and responsible fashion practices by using eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste in their production process. Noonday Collection's products include jewelry, bags, scarves, and other accessories that are handmade by artisans in countries such as Guatemala, India, Vietnam, and Ethiopia.
- Ten Thousand Villages - This retailer offers fair trade products from around the world, including handmade crafts, home decor, and jewelry.
- Divine Chocolate - This chocolate company is co-owned by cocoa farmers in Ghana, ensuring that they receive a fair price for their crops and are able to invest in their communities.
- PACT Apparel - This clothing company uses organic cotton and fair labor practices to create sustainable and stylish clothing for men and women.
- Alter Eco - This company offers fair trade and organic chocolate, quinoa, rice, and sugar, sourced from small-scale farmers around the world.
- Equal Exchange - This worker-owned cooperative offers fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate, and other products, ensuring that farmers are paid fairly and have a say in the business.
These are just a few examples of businesses that prioritize fair trade practices. By supporting these companies, consumers can help create a more equitable and sustainable global economy.
MADI Apparel Founder, Hayley Besheer Santell also recently wrote and self-published a book about ethical fashion. For a limited time only, Macaroni KID readers can use promo code hayleyscrew at checkout on Hayley's book "The Art of Ethical Fashion". (Offer ends Sunday, October 22, 2023.)
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This article was originally published by Brittany Marsh, publisher for MacaroniKID Gardner-Spring Hill-Paola and MacaroniKID SE Kansas City, MO.
