Comments on: Whole Trade Flowers Make a Difference

By: Janet

Janet — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 03:14:47 +0000

I agree, it brings real people to the fair trade aspect. It no longer is just a word or business idea.

By: Lisa Hinson

Lisa Hinson — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:45:32 +0000

Thank you for posting these wonderful stories and helping support others through Fair Trade practices.

Here is an interesting excerpt from http://www.livingwagefairtrade.com/helpfairtrade/fairtraderesearch.html -

Paying Higher Prices to Ensure Products Not Made in Substandard Conditions:

Naturally, a key question is whether Americans would really be willing to accept paying higher prices to ensure that they are not produced in substandard working conditions. In response to a variety of poll questions, a majority says that it would.

In an October 1999 PIPA study respondents were told about the possibility of “an international organization that would check the conditions in a factory and, if acceptable, give them the right to label their products as not made in a sweatshop.” As shown below, an overwhelming 76% said they would pay more for the product labeled as not made in a sweatshop.”

Would be great if this was a priority in other departments at Whole Foods.

Thanks, Lisa

By: kate stoppleman

kate stoppleman — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 02:19:44 +0000

very nice workers nd f course food!!!!

By: Patrick Dodd

Patrick Dodd — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:56:28 +0000

What a fantastic post, thank you. When you can put a face with the people who benefit so much from Fairtrade, it just drives home how important the fair trade movement is in helping to eradicate poverty in the developing world. Well done!

By: Carol Medeiros

Carol Medeiros — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:40:37 +0000

Hi Jane, thanks for reading & for your questions! Both Fair Trade & Rainforest Alliance certifications include detailed environment standards. Some examples of what these standards incorporate are soil management & conservation, ecosystem & water conservation, & wildlife protection. The use of agrochemical use is strictly regulated (with many dangerous pesticides prohibited). The links below take you to the specific criteria about environmental sustainability. Fair Trade: http://www.transfairusa.org/content/about/environmental.php Rainforest Alliance:http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/agriculture.cfm?id=main & http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/agriculture.cfm?id=standards

In regards to local produced flowers, we do sell locally grown flowers. The availability varies greatly between seasons & region, but your local store could fill you in with their current & seasonal local offerings.

By: Winnie Hsia

Winnie Hsia — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:40:41 +0000

@Jane Products with the Whole Trade Guarantee meet our high Quality Standards, provide more money to producers, ensure better wages and working conditions for workers andutilize sound environmental practices. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/whole-trade.php Where available, we do sell locally grown and sustainably produced flowers in our stores. Please check in with your local Whole Foods Market for their floral selection. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/index.php

By: Jane Henderson

Jane Henderson — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:06:54 +0000

I appreciate the fair trade aspect. I did not see any information regarding chemicals: pesticides, fertilizers, etc. Are these South American flowers SUSTAINABLY grown? Do you sell locally produced, sustainably grown flowers in your stores? If not, what would it take for you to consider doing so?
Thank you.