World Environment Day (WED) occurs on the 5th of June every year, and is the United Nation's principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of our environment. First held in 1974, it has been a flagship campaign for raising awareness on emerging environmental issues from marine pollution, human overpopulation, and global warming, to sustainable consumption and wildlife crime. WED has grown to become a global platform for public outreach, with participation from over 143 countries annually.

Why celebrate World Environment Day with a fair trade purchase? Because protecting the environment has been a priority for fair trade certification from the beginning.

Organizations like Fair Trade USA not only work to implement fair prices for farmers, safer labor conditions and higher standards, but also invest in protecting the environment. For example, Fair Trade USA helps farmers “become better stewards of the land,” by implementing strict environmental standards to encourage farmers to help protect the eco system. The overall result is environmentally friendly policies that ensure safer working conditions for farmers. 

Below are a few examples of what Fair Trade USA focuses on in their environmental standards:
•Soil and water
•Biodiversity and carbon emissions
•GMOs
•Agrochemicals
•Pests and Waste

Enjoy this summer with items not only good for you and your conscience—but also the planet!

Forms of Abolition:
Empowerment

Forms of Slavery:
Forced Labor