The Get Certified Challenge is a pledge to buy the Fair Trade version whenever one exists.

The definition of Fair Trade (according to FINE) is

“Fair trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, which 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 - especially in the South. 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 certified products are any of the following:

• Individually certified products with the Fairtrade Mark from the Fairtrade Labelling Organisation (FLO)
• Produced by a supplier or sold by a retailer who is certified by International Fair Trade Association (IFAT)
• Produced a supplier who is approved by British Association of Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS)
  • which is the UK member of the Network of European World Shops (NEWS!)
• From a member of European Fair Trade Association (EFTA)

What this means is that, for example, coffee and teas are fairtrade certified on a product by product basis - so a supplier may have some fairtrade coffee products but others that are not. Whereas a member of IFAT has signed up to ensure that everything they sell is Fair Trade - so all items sold by an IFAT member is Fair Trade certified.

Many items are Fair Trade certified - including a few surprises!

Buying these items is a win-win for everyone - we get great quality items that we need, the producers get a fair price for their work and the poorest communities in the world are supported in their efforts to improve their conditions.

Taking the Get Certified Challenge is about being Life Fair - it’s not charity, it’s about ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity through our everyday choices.

Will you join me? 

Are you mad enough about Fair Trade to Get Certified?