Fair trade is a term used frequently in sustainable living circles but like many "green" words, there tends to be confusion as to its meaning.  Fair trade is a sustainability concept and is an alternative way of doing business - one that builds equitable, long-term partnerships between consumers in North America and producers in developing regions. 

Components of Fair Trade include: 

•    Fair wage.

•    Fair working conditions.

•    Open information exchanges between producers, consumers, and companies.

•    Long-term trade relationships between corporations and producers.

•    Practices that promote environmental protection and sustainable practices.

•    Elimination of unnecessary middlemen between producers and consumers.

•    Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible.

•    Providing equal opportunities for advancement all people.

•    Being open to public accountability.

•    Ensuring the rights of children.

•    Cultivating environmental stewardship.

•    Respecting cultural identity.