World Fair Trade Day, May 10, 2008, is an international celebration and promotion of Fair Trade. Celebrations are spread throughout 70 countries worldwide. IFAT member organizations, along with Fair Trade shops and networks, host events - including Fair Trade food tastings, talks, music concerts, fashion shows and much more - to promote Fair Trade and campaign for justice in trade. Many communities are celebrating World Fair Trade Day over a period of two weeks, from May 3 to May 18, America’s Fair Trade Fortnight. With you, we hope to involve more churches, synagogues, schools, villages, towns, and cities in Fair Trade than ever before.

Join Us! Set the Record for the World’s Largest Fair Trade Coffee Break

For World Fair Trade Day 2008, we will set the world record for the World’s Largest Fair Trade Coffee Break. On May 10, 2008 at 3 pm Eastern / Noon Pacific, people around the globe will take a break to enjoy a cup of Fair Trade coffee or other Fair Trade beverage. We will be setting a new record that will serve as a benchmark for future years’ challenges. Learn more

World Fair Trade Day and the Environment

World Fair Trade Day this year is accompanied by the theme, “For the Planet. For the People”, which explores Fair Trade’s links to the environment. Fair Trade is as an option that not only offers consumers the means by which to value the people who make our products, but also the opportunity to reduce our environmental footprint.

Five reasons why Fair Trade is good for the environment

• One of Fair Trade’s six principles is environmental sustainability. Companies that fail to uphold this principle in their supply chain will not be admitted into the Fair Trade Federation and are refused certification by TransFair USA
• During the production process of Fair Trade products harmful agrochemicals and fertilizers are often now allowed to be used, sold, handled or distributed by producer organizations. When they are used, they are done so in minimal quantities with strict regulations and guidelines on their usage.
• Many Fair Trade products are made by hand, often in producers’ homes or villages. Choosing hand production over mechanized production significantly reduces CO² emissions that are often omitted from big factories. Since Fair Trade producers are often based in remote rural areas, where resources and infrastructure are scarce, they are provided with income earning opportunities that they otherwise would not have had. What little energy is needed in the production process is often produced through alternative energy sources.
• Fair Trade products are often made from materials that are locally and abundantly available.
• The majority of Fair Trade products are transported to consumer countries by boat. This significantly reduces CO² omissions created by air travel.

> Learn more about Fair Trade and the Environment

Who’s Who in World Fair Trade Day 2008

FTRN

FTRN is the national coordinator of World Fair Trade Day in the US. It is working with leading Fair Trade organizations and companies to make this year’s World Fair Trade Day the largest ever. Access more information about FTRN.

Fair Trade Towns

FTT is the key partner is growing World Fair Trade Day. By involving this recently launched initiative, more local activists will be able to use World Fair Trade Day as a tool in their campaigns to bring Fair Trade local. Access more information about FTT

IFAT

IFAT is the international coordinating organization of World Fair Trade Day. IFAT is working with groups in Europe, such as NEWS and various organizations around the world to enhance solidarity with producers on the day. Access more information about IFAT.

Major Sponsors

Major Sponsors provide the resources and guidance to make World Fair Trade Day a success. FTRN is pleased to be working with the following major sponsors; Catholic Relief Services, Fair Trade Federation, Lutheran World Relief, Oxfam America, Transfair and World of Good. See WFTD 2008 sponsors.

Sponsors

Sponsors provide resources and ‘special offers’ and promotions of Fair Trade materials to be used during the Fair Trade Breaks. See WFTD 2008 sponsors.