Fair Trade Products

I'm specifically curious about things more along the line of personal and hair care. Who actually uses them?

I came across a few products at work and it really got me thinking. I haven't seen anyone mentioning them on the forums much, if at all.

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Permalink Reply by Khaos on October 26, 2009 at 10:33pm

Fair trade products are supposed to give more money back to the people that worked hard to harvest or create the product. They typically cost a bit more than other products with similar features (ingredients, etc) but that money should be given back to create livable wages, which in some countries, isn't necessarily a lot of money by our standards. The one I remember a lot about is a specific coffee where the money did come back to the employees who harvested for pennies on the dollar instead of the company that owned the land.

To a degree I don't care about the businesses - it's basically something that we're immersed in due to our culture. (and the fair trade ones are typically smaller and such). However, there are some that do pay their communities back, which is always great. And you can definitely make choices to buy from one that gives back than one that profits from sweat shops.

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Permalink Reply by terror on October 29, 2009 at 7:58pm

Yeah, you got it about right.

The thing is that these companies probably make more profit out of it because of concerned people who purchase it at the increased price, resulting in a higher profit, despite the increased production cost, so it's not really any more just, it's just another way to make a lot of money. The bonus being that it does help people though (although I imagine they still can't afford plasma screen TVs).

What "personal hair care" products could be fair trade? Aren't they mostly just industrial detergent and smell? It's mainly made in factories in the UK (or wherever) because it's cheaper to pay the extra wages than the transport.

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Permalink Reply by Khaos on October 30, 2009 at 7:11am

Turns out there are several different companies. Hair products aren't limited to shampoo though. Everything down to brushes, hair clips/accessories, etc. And the skin care/hyigene products have a large market, too. Not all companies are out for good, but there are definitely some solid working ones out there, that are more concerned for the people and the environment who do more than just selling a product.

Dr. Bronner is one that I know for sure about. But there are also plenty of other companies out there.
Searches have turned up: Druide, Trade As One, Anti-Body (+ article)
So to answer your last question, most mainstream products, in terms of shampoo, lotions, etc., are full of chemicals, yes. I think an advantage to a lot of the fair trade ones I've looked up is that there are more that are completely natural, organic, green, etc. so it's better than putting harsh chemicals on your skin. Yay! Especially if you have sensitive skin or want to be 'pollution' free.

Back to the question though, rest of you MR kids!!! Anyone out there actually go out of their way and use them?