Fair Trade Gets Money Into Good Hands

 By Kendra Bobowick

What does your label say? Made in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, or Hong Kong? Where do consumers’ dollars go and who benefits from profits? The practice of fair trade can offer specific answers.

“Look at what you get. Flip it around and see where it’s manufactured,” stressed Sandy Hook resident Mary Fellows who operates LittleMerryFellows.com. Rather than buying anonymously, she advises, “Buy what you know.”

Her merchandise is all from the United States, some from as close as Newtown in an effort in keeping with the spirit of something larger: the Fair Trade Federation. Carrying a Fair Trade Certified logo, the federation, for one, defines its business practices as working “to provide low-income artisans and farmers with a living wage for their work.”

Also, according to FairTradeResource.org: “Fair trade is an alternative way of doing business — one that builds equitable, long-term partnerships between consumers in North America and producers in developing regions.” By trading fairly, money travels from a shopper’s hands and, in part, back to the producer who earns a fair wage for a good price on a good product, Ms Fellows explained.

“The products you buy are connected to a healthy, happy, and fair lifestyle for someone else.” It’s a concept Ms Fellows likes. “People need to give more thought to what they buy.” Why? Manufacturing conditions in poorer countries could not be worse.

“I don’t feel cool wearing something where the women were chained to the sewing machine,” Ms Fellows said. “It’s about knowing something was made in a healthy environment. In this country we have a minimum wage — in other countries they earn cents per hour, there are child laborers, it’s unfathomable.”

Her own retail business aside, Ms Fellows wants to be a sure-footed consumer. “I want to feel like I bought something with a back story. It’s nicer to know you’re supporting someone.”

She is among the similarly spirited efforts taking place locally.

Regarding her own merchandise, Ms Fellows said, “A lot of the things we sell come directly from the artist, who is usually the manufacturer. It’s a complete circle of business. And that’s the end of it. You feel good about what you bought.”

She could turn a larger profit, but does not. “I could make more money if I manufactured overseas, but at the end of the day that’s not what it’s all about.”

Rob Kaiser, who co-owns Mocha Coffee House in Sandy Hook with Scott Wolfman, also operates with local links. His baker, roaster, paper goods, and beverage providers are all local.

“In theory, we like to support local business. We are a local business, too.” Other purveyors may be cheaper, but do not satisfy Mr Kaiser. In his opinion, “It’s a much easier relationship and a nicer product.”

Mr Kaiser believes his clientele likes to buy with the local business community in mind.

“They feel good about small business and using products that are thoughtful,” he said.

Awareness may boost buying practices and reach even farther through the Fair Trade Federation.

“It’s on people’s minds,” Ms Fellows said. “Consumers are more and more aware of a responsibility to a quality of life.” Mr Kaiser feels people are “just learning” about fair trade practices in their own neighborhoods and on the larger consumers’ market. “It’s important for people to speak with their wallets and support local industry.”

Brigitte Blais and Maura Shpunt both liked Mocha’s atmosphere even more once they learned a little about Mr Kaiser’s practices. Ms Shpunt said, “I’ll come more often.”

Starbucks also carries lines of fair trade goods. Spokesperson Nicole Fallat, who is based in the company’s Seattle headquarters,  warned that fair trade is more than just a catchy concept.

“It may look like a trend or fad, but it will be hard to abandon,” she said. “It involves ethics and morals and I hope there will be a cultural shift.”

Back in Sandy Hook is The Wishing Well, where owner Tamara Doherty has a specific philosophy behind what she keeps in stock.

“When someone approaches me [to carry their product], my first questions are ‘Where is your product manufactured? Where are the components manufactured?’” She likes to know where her money is going, she confirmed. Ms Doherty stocks fair trade merchandise, and also supports her immediate business community.

When her healthy gift basket company found retail space, she included the work of local artisans in her store, she said. She is also a member of the Connecticut Specialty Food Association (CSFA).

“We try to support each other and we try to network and promote each other,” she explained.

The CSFA website explains that the group is “a nonprofit trade association, the Connecticut Food Association represents hundreds of independent grocers, major chains, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, specialty food producers, retail and convenience stores, and other food professionals.”

Our Green House in Sandy Hook center may be organic-minded, but the shop is also fair. Store Manager Faye Bria read from one label, “Income generating program for women in Napal.” Other store products are from Kenya or India and are part of a fair trade market. In the one case, Ms Bria is pleased to know that money spent helps women in a poor country, she said.