Another label to look for – Fairtrade

No matter whether you buy local or imported products: if working conditions and the environment are matters close to your heart, you should be looking out for the Fairtrade label.

According to Wikipedia, Fairtrade certification ‘purports to guarantee not only fair prices, but also the principles of ethical purchasing. These principles include adherence to International Labour Organisation agreements such as those banning child and slave labour, guaranteeing a safe workplace and the right to unionise, adherence to the United Nations charter of human rights, a fair price that covers the cost of production and facilitates social development, and protection and conservation of the environment. The Fairtrade certification system also attempts to promote long-term business relationships between buyers and sellers, crop prefinancing, and greater transparency throughout the supply chain and more.’ Look out for the International Fairtrade Certification logo. There are more and more local wine and tea farms that subscribe to the fair trade concept. The US fairtrade certification is, like its organic one, watered down, and not worth much.

Honestchocolates makes a slab with fair trade coffee beans from Uganda, sold by Bean There fair trade coffee. But you don’t have to go niche to support fairtrade products: The cocoa for Cadbury's most popular milk chocolate variety is now sourced from fair trade sources.

To see which products sold in South Africa are certified Fairtrade you can check on the Fairtrade Label South Africa website.