Why purchase Fair Trade Beads?

Fair trade beads are made in countries outside the United States and Europe, mostly poor African countries – but why purchase fair trade beads?

Below is a picture of some fair trade beads from Africa.

The greatest reason why you should buy these beads is that they are made by women in developing countries and the aim is to empower these women. Whenever women in a society are empowered, the society thrives because women generally use their earnings for the betterment of their families and the society. Empowering women prevents vices such as prostitution and early marriages.

Fair trade beads are usually made from locally available materials, the most common material being recycled glass. This is a big advantage because most of the developing countries do not have recycling plants.

You should buy fair trade beads because they are of a high quality. Each bead is handmade and you will be guaranteed that no two beads are the same. The beads are very beautiful due to the rich culture of African counties and they are very fashionable.

The price is low since the labor is cheaper than in developed countries and because of incentives by governments.

In the picture below is a group of women in Africa making fair trade beads. The technology might not be as sophisticated as what is in the United States and Europe, but these beads are still very popular. So, the answer to the question; why purchase fair trade beads is that you will be improving the life of someone less fortunate, you will be conserving the environment, and you will get very good beads for your effort.