What is "Fair Trade?"

There is a nice write-up on "Fair Trade" shops in Tacoma and Olympia in the Tacoma News Tribune:

So what exactly is Fair Trade?

Ewing: It’s saying that people who make the products should be paid a living wage for it, have livable working conditions and not use child labor or children working in factories.

Meyer: Fair trade includes specific value, such as being paid a fair wage or price in the context of the (producers’) culture or society. It’s coming up with a fair price that is sustainable for people. There’s an intent to make sure things are environmentally conscious in terms of how the materials are sourced and products made … and for there to be a transparency (in all aspects of the business) and to be accountable and responsible.

Why don't oil companies run like that?

Comments

Petroleum is bought and sold

Petroleum is bought and sold on an open, global market.

If The Fire had enough money he could start buying petroleum and re-selling it to the public, just like anyone else.

Actually, for those who want to see "fair trade" petroleum, that's probably the best route. Simply start a "fair trade" petroleum company and begin offering it to the public. If indeed petroleum companies are "screwing" the public, the "fair trade" company should be able to offer their product at a significantly lower price and force the other companies to do the same or risk losing a significant portion of business.