Fair Trade, Is Free Trade 2.0

The buzz in the technology world these days is Web 2.0. While a consensus on its precise meaning has not been reached, most observers agree that "open standards", "user participation and interaction", "collective intelligence" are essential components. So Encarta is Web 1.0, Wikipedia is Web 2.0; Ofoto is Web 1.0, Flickr is Web 2.0.

In the Fair Trade movement we believe that by "harnessing the collective purchase power" of consumers we can help nurture companies that focus not just on profitability, but also on sustainability and social justice. Consumers are encouraged to make themselves aware of how products are made and in what conditions. Companies who go through an open certification process earn not just marketing credentials, but expertise in setting up equitable work environments.

While acknowledging that Free Trade is good, Fair Trade promotes the use of collective purchase power, consumer awareness/participation, and corporate responsibility .

For fun, let me do a similar riff: Chuck Taylor is Trade 1.0, No Sweat is Trade 2.0