Did you know that last Saturday 9 May was World Fair Trade Day?

This day has been around since 2001 and occurs on the second Saturday of May. The day has been set aside by the World Fair Trade Organisation to increase awareness around ethical trading between customers and producers.

Fair trade is about purchasing goods that promote global sustainable development. This means that when you purchase products or services from producers who adhere to Fairtrade Standards, a percentage of that revenue will go people living in developing countries where those products or services were first produced.

According to southafricalogue.com, producers who have been approved by the Fairtrade Organisation give back by ensuring that their workers are equally provided with good working conditions. This includes being paid fairly and fair distribution of benefits. The business as a whole needs to adhere to ethical business practices and have respect for basic human rights, culture and environment.

The day was celebrated throughout the world through a number of events, one in particular known as the Big Bang. People from cities all around the world drummed together in recognition of movement towards a new and sustainable economy. The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town also hosted a Fair Trade exhibition in acknowledgment of this day.