All we hear is recession, depression, and bankruptcy from everyone’s mouths from the Media, to the President, and just about everyone on the street. Well don’t let all this negativity get you down, because we have some excellent sales news to report! This month the Fair Trade Resource Network announced that despite a Global Recession, world Fair Trade sales rose 22% in 2008! This is very encouraging data, especially because as many industries downsize and disappear, its great that a conscious industry is growing.
Not only did they announce an overall increase in sales, but for many countries they have seen a huge jump. For instance, Canada’s Fair Trade sales grew 67%, Finland saw an increase of 57%, New Zealand grew a whopping 73%, and Sweden took the top spot with a growth of 75%! Sadly the US Fair Trade sales only grew 10%, but at least there is some growth. Also, Britain who only expanded their sales 43% became the country with the most Fair Trade sales worldwide.
Autonomie Project Sneakers with Fair Trade Cotton
On top of all these wonderful increases, its extremely exciting to announce that several Fair Trade industries are also expanding their sales. This includes the Fair Trade cotton (which of course we at AP use in our sneakers) industry sales grew 94%!!!! It is a grand feeling to know we, and you as loyal supporters, have contributed to such a high level of prosperity. It is a promising figure to see! Cotton is not the only fast progressing Fair Trade product, the sale of Fair Trade tea increased 112% and Fair Trade bananas sales grew 28%.
These figures may seem small or possibly a tad on the boring side, but if you are still reading at this point, I want to express how overwhelmingly encouraging they really are. Because despite other industries going bankrupt, Fair Trade is seeing real increases. Does this mean people around the globe are paying attention to their consumption choices? We certainly hope so! Information and statistics like these are supportive evidence to the idea of a positive change in our global economy. So if you aren’t a supporter already, please pay attention to what you buy. Because really your power is in your dollar!
August 6, 2009 at 1:01 am
2008 was certainly a great year for fair trade, but as you mentioned, it was a little disappointing that the USA growth was behind the curve at 10%. Sales of fair trade products in the UK now exceed those in the USA, with a population 5 times smaller.
So it seems like a great time for a campaign to take Fair Trade to the White House, doesn’t it?!
“Fair Trade the White House” was launched a few months ago.
Here’s what it is all about:
“Fair Trade the White House,” a grass-roots, nonpartisan coalition of fair trade organizations, vendors, retailers, schools, and individuals, are cordially inviting the First Lady to join the fair trade movement and declare the White House a “Fair Trade Home.” By declaring the White House a “Fair Trade Home,” Mrs. Obama can encourage households throughout America to continue refining their buying habits toward ethical consumption so that poverty, both in America and around the world, is reduced.
Think it’s a good idea? (of course you do!) – then check it out at http://www.fairtradewhitehouse.com, sign up and start making a difference!
August 6, 2009 at 6:30 am
Yes you are correct! This is the perfect time for US consumers to get involved in Fair Trade. And thank you for the link to Fair Trade the White House! We are very familiar with this campaign and are supporters ourselves. Thanks for spreading the word, there is much to be done!
August 6, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Yay… i too wish our numbers over here were greater, but any increase in this sad economy is a good sign. It gives me a bit of hope and a smile, on a morning where most news i have read is just depressing and turns that smile of mine upside down.
I also again want to hug you and let you know Gina how much I admire all the hard work you put into these causes of sustainability and just respectable living. I know you are humble in nature and feel that you are just doing your part, but you are inspiring to me. And I hope with all my heart the world will start to become aware of our patterns of greed… spending more for a product you can wear without guilt…is a blessing. Sometimes less is more, and with news like this, I just get that burning sense of hope that maybe we can find a way to wake up the masses before we hit rock bottom… much love and respect..
August 7, 2009 at 7:18 am
Thank you so much Kandace!!! I and AP really appreciate your support. There should be more people in the world like you.
August 30, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Yes you are correct! This is the perfect time for US consumers to get involved in Fair Trade. And thank you for the link to Fair Trade the White House! We are very familiar with this campaign and are supporters ourselves. Thanks for spreading the word, there is much to be done!;. All the best!!
September 24, 2009 at 12:12 am
[...] recession with an uncertain future, businesses engaged in Fair Trade practices are still showing market growth, albeit somewhat slowed, while gigantic service and manufacturing companies watch their figures [...]