“It is good for people to realize that purchasing is always a moral – and not simply economic – act” (Pope Benedict XVI).
When it comes to making decisions as business leaders, as well as in our personal lives, it can be easy to get caught up in the best deal. With e-commerce making it so easy to purchase anything we need at the click of a button, we often don’t analyze the products we purchase. Instead, we conduct our research based on the best price and the fastest shipping window.
As Catholic women in business, we are called to use our purchasing power, both in our businesses and personal shopping needs, in the context of Catholic social teaching. This includes promoting the dignity of work and rights of workers, economic justice, the call to community participation, solidarity with marginalized people, and care for God’s creation. How can we do that when we are inundated with fast fashion and other unsustainable producers? One easy way is shopping with Fair Trade-certified products.
What Is Fair Trade?
Fair Trade is a global movement composed of various producers, companies, consumers, advocates, and organizations that prioritize the needs of individuals across the world and the sustainability of the environment. The organization has a special certification for products that meet specific criteria. These criteria encompass safe working conditions, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and community development funds. When you shop for products that are Fair Trade-certified, you can be certain that you are purchasing something that will have a positive impact globally.
Fair Trade encompasses several different products, including produce, coffee, textiles, herbs and spices, tea, gold, and rice. You can shop for Fair Trade products online or in your grocery store by looking for the Fair Trade logo on your favorite products.
Catholic Social Teaching and Fair Trade
Catholic Social Teaching aligns with Fair Trade, specifically through the organization’s dedication to promoting prosperity for all people while protecting the planet. Fair Trade creates opportunities for us as Catholics to exercise our faith in the small choices we make as consumers. This allows us to realize the importance of economic justice, putting Catholic Social Teaching into action.
Catholic Social Teaching emphasizes the dignity and rights of workers, which is a pillar of the Fair Trade movement. By ensuring safe working conditions, sustainable livelihoods for workers, and promoting philanthropic initiatives for communities across the globe, Fair Trade lives out this theme of Catholic Social Teaching through its very mission.
Along with the dignity and rights of workers, Fair Trade also clearly defends and supports care for God’s creation, as well as the life and dignity of the human person. Through sustainability practices for both the environment and the communities of farmers and workers, Fair Trade continues to exemplify Catholic Social Teaching through its practices and values.
Shopping with Fair Trade, or even getting a product in your business that is Fair Trade Certified, allows you to partake in the mission of the Church in our world through your daily purchases and business decisions.
Fair Trade Day
So, how can you get involved with Fair Trade?
A simple way to get connected and participate as a consumer is through World Fair Trade Day. This event occurs every year on the second Saturday in May to celebrate the organization’s contribution to the fight against poverty and exploitation. This year, the celebration is on May 10.
You can easily get involved through this special opportunity by praying for Fair Trade farmers, workers, and consumers, as well as for the global end to poverty and exploitation. You can also shop for Fair Trade products online, by visiting Fair Trade stores, or by looking for the Fair Trade logo at your local grocery store.
Another great way to get involved with Fair Trade is through your parish. Creating a ministry focused on Catholic Social Teaching and raising awareness for consumers to shop with integrity through organizations like Fair Trade is a great way to share this important message with your community.
Regardless of what your business looks like or where and what you buy, you can implement Fair Trade and ethical shopping decisions in your everyday life. Whether it’s groceries, coffee, and snacks for your office break room, or even a new outfit for your upcoming board meeting, shopping ethically aligns with our Catholic values. It can make a positive difference throughout the world.
Marisa McDonald is a wife and mother living in Central Indiana. She has previously worked for various nonprofit spaces in fundraising, development, and strategy, and is actively involved on boards within her community. A creative homemaker, Marisa is making the most of each day, cherishing loved ones.