Guest Post | Rebecca Goodyear writes about the importance of Fairtrade for LoveLula

To coincide with Fairtrade Fortnight Rebecca Goodyear, Marketing Director of Kinetic Natural Products who distribute brands such as Dr. Bronner’s Magic Liquid Soaps, writes about the importance of Fairtrade.

The rich and poor divide is ever widening in today’s society not just within society but on a global scale. Corporate fat cats are making more margin from sales as their prices rise but rather than passing the profits down the supply chain unfortunately the money rarely makes it outside the board room.

So whilst the rich are getting richer, the poor simply are not. The Fairtrade Foundation is working to correct the balance in developing countries, where so many are dependent on farming for income to feed both themselves and their families. Many of these individuals cannot afford to feed all the family however and workers will regularly skip meals so that the needier and more vulnerable family members can eat. Another problem regularly reported is not being able to pay for medical attention or supplies.

By choosing products that are Fairtrade, consumers can ensure that their money spent is more fairly distributed along the supply chain which means that the farmers and workers in developing countries have more money and a better chance of escape from poverty. The fairer wages means they can afford food and medicine for themselves and their families whilst through the Fairtrade Premium scheme, individuals can invest in community projects which are put in place to enrich the lives of everyone in the surrounding society. Simply look for the Fairtrade logo on goods you are buying and remember, the power is in your pockets!

Dr Bronner are certified FairTrade under the Fair for Life program. Here's a little more about it, from the horses' mouth:

For their 60th anniversary, Dr Bronner Soaps announced that they are certified Fair Trade. They give all profits not needed for business development to support progressive charities and causes.

Now they have extended this philosophy to the farmers and workers around the world who produce their major raw materials (representing over 95% of our annual agricultural volume). Along with their families and communities, they benefit from fair prices, living wages and funding for local development projects. Shifting the supply chains to certified Fair Trade ingredients makes a big difference in the lives of several thousand farmers and workers — and is money well spent. 

Fairtrade Fortnight

From 27th February until 11th March  2012, we'll be celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight, 2 weeks that are dedicated to promoting the importance of fairness and quality in the production process of everything, from clothes to beauty products.

If you see the Fairtrade stamp on a product, you know that the seal of approval has been given by this organisation to a brand that has ensured that everyone involved in the production process, both individuals and communities, were treated and paired fairly for their work.

We're delighted to have Fairtrade products on LoveLula. Brands like cult favourite Dr. Bronner's are Fairtrade from start to finish in the production process of their best-selling products. Other brands like evolve use Fairtrade ingredients, and in using those ingredients they are supporting cooperatives in countries like Morocco.

To support Fairtrade Fortnight and the work that the Fairtrade Foundation does, we're running a give away on Facebook of our favourite Fairtrade brands! Visit our Facebook page for all the details on how to enter - it's easy peasy!

First up are 10 Castille Liquid Soaps from Dr. Bronner's for 10 lucky winners!