A few years ago, I started learning about fair trade — what it really means and why it matters. And once I knew, I couldn’t unknow it.

Fair trade is about making sure the people who make the things we buy are treated with dignity. It means farmers get a fair price for their coffee. It means artisans earn a living wage for their crafts. It means children aren’t forced to work in unsafe conditions so we can have cheap chocolate.

When Matthew and I learned about this, we knew we had to start making different choices — not perfectly, but intentionally.

What We Changed

We started small. We switched our coffee to fair trade. We looked for the fair trade label on chocolate (especially around the holidays — because that’s when chocolate consumption skyrockets). We started shopping from companies that partner with artisans around the world to sell handmade goods at fair prices.

It wasn’t about being perfect. It was about being aware.

Teaching the Kids

One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been talking to Ella and Jad about it. Even when they were small, we’d explain in simple terms: “This coffee was grown by a farmer, and we want to make sure he gets paid fairly for his hard work.”

Kids get fairness. They understand it intuitively. And I love that we’re raising them to think about the people behind the products they use.

It’s a Journey

We’re not experts. We don’t get it right every time. But we believe that small, intentional choices add up. And we believe that as followers of Jesus, caring about justice and dignity for all people isn’t optional — it’s essential.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8

If you’re curious about getting started with fair trade, start with one thing. One product. One swap. It makes a bigger difference than you think.