Earth Keepers                                        

                    Fair Trade

When we purchase Fair Trade products, we recognize the growers and producers as our sisters and brothers whose well-being and ours are woven together. We show that we want the parents to get a wage sufficient to support the family so that the children can go to school.

 When we purchase Fair Trade products, we recognize our solidarity with Planet Earth.  We are a very small planet.  The quality of the earth, the air, the water and the forests of the Southern Hemisphere are as important as are those of the Northern to the health of the whole world.

      Basic standards of Fair Trade

·         A living wage in the local context

·         Providing safe and healthy working conditions

·         Building long-term trade relationships that are open, fair, consistent and respectful

·         Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible

·         Ensure the right of all children to security, education and play

·         Engage in environmentally sustainable practices so that future generations can meet their needs.

Specific criteria for granting certification vary with the product because circumstances for growing tea, coffee, bananas, olive oil etc. as well as the production of jewelry, clothing and soccer balls differ widely.