Full Circle Exchange and our fair trade practices increase annual incomes of small farmers, help put in place tools for self-sufficiency, assist small farmers in staying out of high interest debt and help build infrastructure in the farmers' community. In addition to the Fair Trade aspect, our farmers use organic methods, which are more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Full Circle farmers disperse their plants throughout a region, a more environmentally friendly method they also plant shade-grown coffee, which is key to protecting certain species of birds. The existence of small farmers helps prevent the clear-cutting of larger estates.
Fair trade lets consumers have a clear conscience about their purchases. It lets consumers assist and empower others with their buying power while allowing them to be a part of a social justice movement through a simple action. Fair trade allows consumers to initiate a chain of responses that will positively impact the lives of poor coffee farmers and their families. Fair trade connects producers and consumers in more equitable, more meaningful and more sustainable ways. It is based on seven principles as quoted by the Fair Trade Federation (FTF), the largest association of fair trade organizations: fair wages cooperative workplaces, consumer education, environmental sustainability, financial and technical support, respect for cultural identity and public accountability.
Full Circle products are grown organically. This means the products are grown and produced without the use of any chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides. In other words, they are grown in nature without chemical intervention. Organic benefits are seen in many areas such as personal health, environmental sustainability, and more socially just, premium, wages and compensation for the farmers themselves. By purchasing organically grown products you are benefiting your own health as well as the health of farmers and their communities. You help preserve and maintain the natural balance of our ecosystem and you aid in the increase of the standard of living for the farmers. In addition, you make a statement that chemical-free alternatives are a better option while increasing demand and therefore supply of organic alternatives.
