Back to the Basics

It's back to the beginning today for a reminder of what fair trade is, how it works, and why it's needed. I can always use a reminder of why we're doing what we do--I figured that the rest of you probably feel the same way!
Fair trade is an international system of trade. It gives the farmers and artisans who produce the goods we all use every day (for example, coffee, chocolate, and handicrafts) a way to lift themselves out of poverty by guaranteeing fair prices and sustainability. In short, the people who do the work are paid fairly for their labor.
Why bother with fair trade? Here's a start. Did you know that:

-Nearly half the world lives on less than $2 a day and the poorest 40% of the world's population earns only 5% of the global income.
-An estimated 218 million children are engaged in child labor (UNICEF).
-At least 70% of child laborers work in agriculture (UNICEF).
-Almost three-quarters (126 million) of children engaged in child labor work in hazardous situations or conditions, such as working in mines, working with chemicals and pesticides in agriculture or working with dangerous machinery (UNICEF).
-When farmers are not guaranteed a minimum price for their crops, they often fall victim to the global economy if demand decreases. When farmers rely on few, specific crops they are left particularly vulnerable to changes in the market. Fair trade guarantees a minimum price, so that farmers won’t fall deeper into poverty if the global economy influences profits.

(The above facts are taken from Plan and Transfair. Check out their websites for more information!)