The Fair Trade Show, Canada's only consumer show dedicated to fair trade, social business and ethical sourcing, is on this weekend in Toronto. This show brings together a community of social entrepreneurs, consumers, and retailers who believe that business is not just about maximizing profit. The goal of the The Fair Trade Show is to make ethical businesses more visible and accessible to consumers and retailers who wish to support their work. This show is sure to inspire you to take action for a better world, and shop consciously. This is the perfect event to find that great jewelry statement piece you were looking for, bath product to pamper yourself with and a healthy treat to enjoy too. Keep reading to learn how you can WIN Tickets to this exciting event!
event details
When: Saturday, June 4th and Sunday June 5th, 2016
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Location: Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place, 100 Princes' Boulevard #1, Toronto
Admission: Adult $13; senior $10; student $10; family pass $30; group $10. All tickets are valid for two days. Free admission for children ages 12 and younger.
investing in the common good makes common sense
I often write about the important role that we, as consumers, can play in influencing the economy and business practices through our spending habits and our consumer choices. Issues surrounding the exploitation of workers, the environment and precious natural resources have really been brought to light as of late, especially when we speak about the negative effects associated with big business practices and corporate profit models. When consumers refuse to endorse unethical business practices and instead, support social enterprises, everyone involved benefits and meaningful changes can ensue.
By supporting businesses who are environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive, you are taking a stance for a more equitable and just world. Some labels that you can look out for that reflect business practices that are in line with these sentiments include, but are not limited to: "Fair Trade Certified", "Ethically Sourced", "Cruelty-Free", and "B Corp Certified".
Unikati & Co. rings made by artisans in Rwanda using recycled tin. The artisans work with Indego Africa, a non-profit that works to connect women to the international market so that they can earn a sustainable income.
what to expect at the event
At The Fair Trade Show you can expect all things ethical and fair trade, from food to footwear! While you're there make sure you check out my friends at SUDSATORIUM, my favourite line of vegan bath and body products which are made locally made using organic, fair trade ingredients; as well as Chic Made Consciously for accessories are all handcrafted from 100% repurposed tires and inner tubes by expert artisans in Bali, Indonesia.
I've really been loving "Rooster Booster" shampoo from SUDSATORIUM. This cosmetic line is Fair Trade, Organic, Vegan, Cruelty-Free and 5% of Proceeds Proudly Go To Grassroots Charities! Photo by: SUDSATORIUM.
Chic Made Consciously accessories are all handcrafted from 100% repurposed tires and inner tubes by expert artisans in Bali, Indonesia. Photo by: Chic Made Consciously.
The event will also showcase Equifruit, a Fair Trade certified fruit company who has partnered with cooperatives in Ecuador and Peru. There will be various fair trade accessories, apparel and jewelry from around the world, including Ikuru who will be joining the show all the way from Mozambique! You can also learn more about what it means to be Fairtrade Certified, to be a member of the Fair Trade Federation, and what it takes to become a B Corporation.
The Fair Trade Show has also been working closely with Fair Trade Toronto, a local advocacy organization that promotes fair trade products around the city. Members of the organization are currently working on an art installation of a map that represents apparel manufacturing around the world. The creation of this art piece is interactive, and if you bring your clothing tags to the show this weekend you can participate by pinning them on to a the map to indicate the country where your clothing was made! I had a chance to check out the map last weekend at the Christie Pits 4th Annual Art Crawl, and I am really looking forward to seeing the finished piece.
Instagram giveaway details
WIN a pair of tickets to this exciting event! Visit my Instagram post featuring salad greens from the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers' Market, pictured below and in the comments below, tag a friend that you'd like to bring to The Fair Trade Show. You'll be super popular with that extra ticket! Contest closes June 3rd at 5pm EST..
The prettiest organic market finds from the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers' Market.
For more information check out The Fair Trade Show on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and on their official website.
Special thank you to Sarah Judd of The Fair Trade Show for providing all of the information and images for this post.
Hope to see you at the event. In the meantime, keep it conscious and classy!
Much love,
#LoveWildLiveFree