“Fair
Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect,
that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable
development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights
of, marginalized producers and workers . Fair Trade
organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting
producers, awareness raising, and in campaigning for changes in the rules and
practice of conventional international trade. Fair Trade's strategic intent is:
·
deliberately
to work with marginalized producers and workers in order to help them move from
a position of vulnerability to security and economic self-sufficiency
·
to
empower producers and workers as stakeholders in their own organizations
· to actively play a wider role in the global arena to achieve greater equity in international trade.”
Simply put...fair trade is a system that empowers disadvantaged producers by creating sustainable economies and new markets in otherwise poor developing countries. Fair trade occurs though payment of a fair price, technical assistance, social programming, environmental protection, all the while respecting the traditional customs of the artisans.
The vision for Manos de Madres began in Honduras in 2003 with Arielle Moinester and the organic coffee cooperative COFEACOMA. In a joint effort, Arielle and COFEACOMA developed a women's income generation project providing environmental and business education, while also helping to alleviate poverty and reduce the communities' environmental degradation through repurposing of trash into crafts. Since inception, this project and product line, entitled "Trash Bags of Honduras", have met and exceeded international Fair Trade standards. The COFEACOMA Trash Bags Initiative has grown from three women to over 65 and has opened doors to provide education to their children, improve family nutrition and sanitation, purchase farmland and develop other small businesses.
