Internationally celebrated on every second Saturday of May, World Fair Trade Day (May 11 this year) is a campaign with conscience.
It hopes to create a conversation and connection with consumers around the globe, where fair trade products, such as sustainably sourced food and handmade gifts, can be purchased to support the fair trade mission. Fair trade, by definition, means creating products and supporting producers through environmentally healthy practices, safe and equal opportunity work environments and economic development through local businesses.
Here are five NoVa locations to visit this weekend (and beyond!) to support the fair trade movement.
Fair Trade Winds
Located at the Mosaic District, Fair Trade Winds is a gift store featuring fair trade clothing, bags, accessories, jewelry, home goods and more. Find a perfect last-minute Mother’s Day gift (or something for yourself!) on May 11, and 10% of your purchase will go directly to All Ages Read Together, a local nonprofit helping students learn to read. // 2920 District Ave., Suite 160, Fairfax
Trade Roots Fair Trade Gift & Coffee Shop
Fair trade jewelry, kids’ toys, candles and stationery just scratch the surface of what you can find at Trade Roots. Grab a cup of fair trade coffee or a glass of wine and browse all it has to offer. Stay tuned to its Facebook page for upcoming “Village Talks,” where guests can learn about healthy and sustainable topics in the community. // 5852 Washington Blvd, Arlington
Latitudes Fair Trade Store
Filled with handmade products by women in Uganda, Guatemala and countries around the world, Latitudes has three Virginia locations that hope to touch the hearts of local shoppers through its commitment to supporting artisans making a livelihood for themselves and their families. // 78 Main St., Warrenton and 800 Carolina St., Fredericksburg
Scatter Seeds
Hand-sewn scarves and kids’ socks, carved wood and creative metals, ornaments and wind chimes are all products found at Scatter Seeds in Manassas. The company promises that every purchase, whether in-store or online, benefits the artisan who created it, hoping to move them out of poverty and into sustainability. // 9078 Center St., Manassas
Threadleaf
At Threadleaf, owned and operated by former Obama administration staffer Nicole McGrew, all products are produced using fair labor, made of natural fibers and use natural dyes. // 102 N. Fayette St., Alexandria
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