You’re a sustainable shopper. You respect workers’ rights and the environment. But, while you fill your shopping cart, you’re constantly faced with countless logos and new brands who claim to be ethical, responsible, and sustainable. Who can you trust? We hear you.
If you’re shopping at a farmers’ market or locally based storefront, you can speak directly to producers and learn about their practices. In other situations, you’ll have to do a bit of digging on brand claims and logos. We kicked it off for you here with a few logos.
Fairtrade International
October is Fairtrade Month – look for this logo! It means that the product (or its main ingredients) underwent a lengthy auditing and certification process. This ensures compliance with Fair Trade International’s guidelines. This mark is the most trusted and verifiable of all fair trade logos.
Look for the Fairtrade logo on bananas, coffee, cocoa, chocolate chips, sugar, vanilla, cotton, wine and much more.
It’s certified by Fairtrade as sustainably produced.
World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO)
Wherever you find this logo, you know that the product’s producer is a member of the WFTO. WFTO members have a clear vision of what the economy should look like: one where profit-making does not come before the well-being of the people and the planet.
Members comply with WFTO’s 10 Fair Trade Principles (including no forced labour, fair payment to workers, good working conditions, among others). Members are verified and continuously monitored.
Look for this logo on soaps, home goods, accessories, and more.
Fair Trade Federation (FTF)
The Fair Trade Federation is a trade association of fair trade enterprises committed to equitable and sustainable trading partnerships. Membership means that the enterprise complies with the FTF’s Fair Trade Principles (such as promotion of fair trade in North America, prioritizing the needs of producers and suppliers, and having ethical business practices). Members are verified and continuously monitored.
Look for this logo on fashion items, home goods, food, beverages, and more.
Rainforest Alliance
Find the frog! Instead of protecting nature from people, the Rainforest Alliance works to restore the balance between people and nature. This ensures they both thrive in harmony. Products with this logo mean that the product has one or more ingredients that meet the Rainforest Alliance’s Sustainable Agriculture Standard.
There are two Rainforest Alliance logos: The People & Nature logo means that the farm or company supports socio-economic and environmental sustainability. Whereas the Forest Allies logo means that the company supports responsible tropical forest management. This process involves independent auditors and strict certification requirements.
Look for this logo on food & beverages, health & beauty products, plants, and more.
Fair For Life (FFL) / For Life (FL)
When you find these logos while shopping, it means that the product comes from a socially responsible operation. FFL is focused on fair trade, and FL is focused on Corporate Social Responsibility. This is verified by an independent audit and continuous verification.
Look for this logo on food, beverages, and more.
Food & Beverage Manitoba
Shop local! When you see this logo, you know that the product was made in Manitoba. The Manitoba Made logo has been around for 20 years.
Look for this logo on food, beverages, and more. Purchasing locally produced items supports Manitoba’s economy and local livelihoods.
Keep shopping sustainably
Thank you for being a sustainability hero by looking more closely at the products you buy. Next time you are shopping, look to see how many fair or sustainable logos you can see on products – there are likely more than you think.
Did you find any logos not on our list? Have you taken any steps towards sustainable shopping? Head over to Instagram and DM us to let us know or drop us a note by email at sustainability@mcic.ca to share your wisdom and we’ll try to add them to our list!
About the header photo: A grocery store shelf with a sign indicating the coffees are Fairtrade. Photo credit: Fairtrade Canada.