The Fair Trade Rose: a Thorny Ethical Issue
"The rose speaks of love silently, in a language known only to the heart." – Anonymous
I fear I’m going to be labeled unromantic for this.
The Fair Trade label guarantees a product will be developed in a way that promotes fair and sustainable economic growth and meets carefully defined labour standards. But when you consider that nearly all the Fairtrade roses sold here in the UK are produced in Nairobi, the ethical picture starts getting muddy.
The English tabloid newspaper The Sunday Mail recently ran a damning piece on the hidden eco-cost of shipping flowers internationally, and associated particular blooms with thousands upon thousands of air-miles. You might want to purchase organic, local flowers instead. In the States, you can handily order eco-friendly local bouquets at Local Harvest.
Yet because Fair Trade practices are clearly helping to support developing economies and immeasurably improving the lives of individuals, we face a troubling ethical dilemma – but one that needs to be addressed.
Image: kissthis
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