Global warming, over-population and depletion of resources are leading our world to crisis point, and consumerism is leading the way. Poverty, greed and unjust trading relationships are key to this. As such it is fitting that the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is marking this World Earth Day for the first time.
In conventional trade, wealthy organisations in countries like the UK and the USA are able to take advantage of their buying power to obtain cheaper and cheaper prices. Usually this means poor wages, sometimes it involves child labour - and more often than not it leads to a pattern of consumption which cannot last, because our Earth does not have enough resources to make it last.
A principle of Fair Trade is that it should not just meet the day-to-day needs, but should enable improved conditions in the future, so all involved can plan for themselves and their children. The safeguarding of natural resources is vital for long-term trading relationships, which are a key objective in Fair Trade partnerships.
An excellent example of sustainability is WFTO member Salay Handmade Paper in the Philippines, which produces designs from flowers which regenerate themselves constantly, and paper from weeds, pineapple leaves and other agricultural waste. Other WFTO members are especially concerned about the sustainability of trees, and avoid hardwoods. Mitra Bali in Indonesia uses Albesia, a tree which grows in 7 years, others use bamboo and other fast-growing plants. In our shops and online as a WFTO member, Shared Earth retails products which go beyond the expected materials for recycling paper - tin and glass, and includes frames from loom waste and old saris, bags made from rice and cement sacks, offcuts from soapstone, vases made from broken bangles, accessories and clocks made from bicycle chains, and paper made from elephant dung.
Where is Earth going on World Earth Day? WFTO believes that bringing the issues of trade and environment together is vital to the well-being of both!
