The European Observatory On Fair Trade Procurement defines “fair trade� as:

“…a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and
respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade…[contributing]
to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to,
and securing the rights of, marginalised producers and workers”
(www.eftafairtrade.org, 2006).

Such produce (not limited to loose teas) is purchased either directly from those who raise it or from community co-ops in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The result is an improved standard of living for those who would otherwise be forced to deal with a number of intermediaries, each of which would be taking a cut – and typically, leaving the actual producer with little or nothing. Fair trade teas are brought to you directly from the families who actually work the land and process the goods – your assurance of a healthier, higher quality product raised in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly fashion.

The use of tea goes back almost 5,000 years; it has had great symbolic significance in many Asian cultures. For example, legend tells us that the day Buddha was born, it rained tea from the heavens; children of Buddhist families still sprinkle tea atop a statue of the Buddha on the day commemorating his birth. The Japanese tea ceremony or chanoyu is still practiced today; it is a highly formalized and elaborate occasion that may last an entire afternoon.

As you might expect, fair-trade teas are more expensive than mass-produced commercial brands – but the price difference is not great. It might be as much as a dime per teabag extra, but it makes a tremendous difference in the lives of those who actually do the work of raising, harvesting and processing the tea you enjoy.

Much fair-trade tea does not come in bags, incidentally; it is often in the form of loose teas sold by the ounce or by the pound. In this case, you’ll want to invest in some reliable tea accessories such as a tea ball infuser and a tea strainer.

Such tea accessories are a bit of a bother, but once you taste the difference of organic fair trade teas, you’ll find the extra trouble well worth it – and you’ll be doing some good for the planet and its people as well.