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Ethics and the environmentCosts and benefits of Fairtrade activities

Businesses can choose to work in a way that profits only the owners or in ways that benefit the community. Working ethically means acting in ways that are both fair and honest. Ethical businesses try to minimise their impact on the environment.

Part of Business managementOperations

Costs and benefits of Fairtrade activities

Fairtrade stickers on bananas

The result of world trade is that workers in in less economically developed countries often lose out. This includes:

  • low wages
  • poor standards of living
  • inability to afford education for their children
  • children required to work to help their families earn a living

The Fairtrade movement is controlled by the Fairtrade Foundation. This is a non-profit organisation that is:

  • licenced to use the Fairtrade mark
  • aims to increase demand for Fairtrade products
  • raises awareness of the need for Fairtrade

The Foundation was established in 1992 by , Christian Aid, Oxfam, Traidcraft, Global Justice Now, and the National Federation of Women鈥檚 Institutes.

CostsBenefits
Fairtrade products can cost more, which may put some customers offQuality of life should improve for workers in primary industries
Limits the choice of suppliers for a businessThe long-term prospects for children in the area should improve
Fairtrade mark will make products more attractive to customers
Improves the company reputation if they are seen to be ethically responsible
CostsFairtrade products can cost more, which may put some customers off
BenefitsQuality of life should improve for workers in primary industries
CostsLimits the choice of suppliers for a business
BenefitsThe long-term prospects for children in the area should improve
Costs
BenefitsFairtrade mark will make products more attractive to customers
Costs
BenefitsImproves the company reputation if they are seen to be ethically responsible