WHAT IS FAIR TRADE?
Fair trade supports small-scale farmers and artisans to compete in the global market by offering fair prices and advocating for good working conditions and wages. They also support eco-friendly agricultural practices and the development of local communities. For a company to be considered Fair Trade, they must buy from Fair Trade-certified farms and organizations and pay Fair Trade prices and minimums.
Examples of companies that support Fair Trade practices are: Ben & Jerry's, Dean's Beans, Patagonia, Fair Indigo, Athleta, barkTHINS, and Bigelow Tea. For a more comprehensive list of Fair Trade certified companies, look here.
Fair Trade at Siena
Siena College is a Fair Trade college and the first Catholic college to be certified. Siena Students for Fair Trade seeks to uphold the mission statement of Siena, pursuing “faith in a personal and provident God, reverence for all creation, affirmation of the unique worth of each person, delight in diversity, appreciation for beauty, service with the poor and marginalized, a community where members work together in friendship and respect and commitment to building a world that is more just, peaceable and humane.”
Fair trade is a very important movement because it reminds people to be socially conscious and that our actions have a great impact on the world around us.
Our Dedication
Fair Trade is one of the many causes that the Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women supports on Siena's campus. We seek to promote awareness of ethical buying practices. Throughout the academic year, the Center hosts fair trade chocolate tastings and product sales.
How to Locate a Fair Trade Item
Look for the fair trade logo which is printed on most certified fair trade products!