It’s a Fair Trade
Best Fair Trade Brands
In honor of National Fair Trade Month—which raises awareness about the importance of products that are manufactured environmentally, economically, and socially responsibly—we’re shining a spotlight on some of our favorite fair trade brands. From coffee and chocolate to clothing and cosmetics, there’s a purchase with purpose for all.
All chocolate may be tasty but not all chocolate is created or sourced equally. Berkeley-based TCHO, known for their punchy packaging and high-quality bars in a bevy of fun flavors (think Dark & Salty, Toffee Time, and Perfect Matcha)—cares deeply about the people behind their cacao, from the farmer to the roaster, and all the communities in-between. By establishing partners at every step, they co-create better chocolate for the benefit of the entire industry. An open book, they allow anyone inside their real-life Willy Wonka chocolate factory where you can learn and see first-hand the “sweet” details behind the successful, socially responsible brand. Available at Whole Foods Market, Raley’s, & Bel Air.
At beauty brand Elate, whose motto is “less, but better,” they craft cruelty-free, vegan cosmetics (for the face, lips, and eyes) with minimal ingredients and minimal packaging. In a world where women are bombarded by a billion-dollar beauty industry (and encouraged to “buy more and wear more!”), Elate believes in a mindful approach to makeup: curating a “capsule cosmetic bag” filled with high-quality, high-performing essentials that are reusable and recyclable. Doing so doesn’t only save you money, time, and energy, buts helps to save the planet, too. And considering 30% of all waste is accredited to cosmetics (how many powders and eyeshadow palettes does a person actually need or actually use?), we wholeheartedly agree. Whether it’s their prep-priming serum, skin care-first foundation, crème blush, or long-wearing lip crayons, your face (and heart) will shine bright. Available at Nudge Eco Store in Sacramento.
Crafted from organic cotton sourced in India, each pair of socks from Conscious Step is non-GMO, plus pesticide- and insecticide-free. But that’s not all; their team of do-gooders and go-getters also work tirelessly to promote fair and transparent working conditions with minimum-wage compliance, paid overtime, and no child labor. Sustainability and fair trade aside, the “slow fashion brand” also gives back to nonprofits with every purchase; simply pick your passion (endangered animals, LGBTQ+ lives, women’s rights, mental health, and more), and with every purchase they’ll donate a portion of proceeds to said cause. Toe-tally amazing, toe-tally cute, it's a company that takes all the right steps. Available at Nugget Market.
Coffee may be essential to waking up (and staying up), but there’s much more to it than the caffeine content and flavor profile. Every pot (or pour-over or French press) of organic, fair-trade Peace Coffee doesn’t only taste great, but it’s crafted from a community that cares and is being cared for. The sustainably grown fruit and freshly roasted beans are a collaborative effort between small-scale grower cooperatives that invest in their farmers. Whether you’re sipping on the bold and enticing “Nocturnal” blend, the swift and caramelly “Black Squirrel Espresso,” or the sweet and smooth “Peru” offering, expect a buzzworthy, Certified B Corporation cup of Joe. Available at Sprouts Farmers Market.
The word “sustainable” seems to be synonymous with most wineries these days, but Oregon’s Troon Vineyard isn’t most wineries. The state’s only Demeter Biodynamic and Regenerative Organic Certified winery and farm, it’s one of only four farms in the world (!) to be Regenerative Organic Gold Certified. In addition to grapevines, life on their picture-perfect farm also includes cider apples, a vegetable garden, hay fields, re-wilded honeybees, sheep, chickens, wildlife, and dogs. But back to the (very good) vino. Each bottle of their complex, land-to-table wine—crafted using only native yeasts with no additives to ferment—are uniquely charming and complex but equally delicious. Available at troonvineyard.com.
Whether rocking the brand’s denim, sweaters, skirts, jackets, accessories, leather bags, or all the above, you’ll feel “the ABLE difference.” Thoughtfully designed to combine style, function, and fit, each of their polished pieces are crafted with quality materials and attention to detail, ensuring you’ll look good and feel great. But behind the eco-conscious, top-quality fabrics are the people (96% of them women!) working to ensure that the company’s manufacturers are provided living wages and safe working conditions. They’re “moving fashion forward” in a way we’re 100% behind and 100% believe in. Available at Runway Boutique, H3 Barn Market, & La Te Da.
by Megan Wiskus