Should Companies Reveal Which Products They Manufacture Using Fair Trade Practices?

Yes, I believe that all companies should reveal which products they manufacture using fair trade practices. I also believe that the government should make it mandatory for all companies to advertise to customers whether their product is fair trade or not.  Due to the fact that fair trade manufacturing is not a well known concept a lot of Americans are unaware of all the horrible and inhumane practices that are hidden behind the everyday products that they buy. As a result of a large portion of society being unaware to what is actually going on they are inadvertently supporting these business and their awful exploitations of people in underdeveloped areas. A lot of people in these underdeveloped areas are being put in extremely dangerous and unsanitary conditions some of which result in death or in suicide because they are being pushed so hard to provide for their families. Minors are being overworked and under cared for instead of being able to get an education and enjoy being a kid. A great deal of people working for these companies make less than a $100 a month yet the company owners get to live lavishly and make millions, even billions of dollars off of these peoples hard work.

Hopefully more and more people will become aware of these unfortunate practices and eventually stop purchasing goods from these businesses thus encouraging them to switch to more humane practices. Maybe this act will even lead to the passing of legislation against foul labor practices in underdeveloped areas.

Second Opinion

I think they should provide information on all the material used to make their product.  For example Smartphone Companies have been taking some heat, for the material being used to make their batteries.  Children and adults are mining the material in harsh conditions in Africa.  The companies promise they are monitoring the workers conditions and treatment.  The laws in Africa do not protect the workers and Militia groups run most.  U.S. Government committees and associations like, Securities and Exchange Committee, and The Fair Labor Association.  They set standards for environment and treatment of workers.  I don’t think most companies follow the standards to hundred percent, or else the consumers will pay more money in return for the products.

I would pay more money for a product, knowing a company is following the Fair Trade Practices.  Human lives are more important, than a product being made cheap and in harsh environment.