Shop at these 5 local stores in honor of World Fair Trade Day

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.

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Malia Designs works with three fair trade producer groups in Cambodia. Each independent group is women-led, has their own social mission, and each is organized a bit differently. Malia Designs has worked with two of the three groups since their very early days.⁣ .⁣ Each artisan group employs both men and women, though women make up the majority by a large percentage. Malia artisans span a wide range of ages, backgrounds, education levels, and life experiences. Some grew up in the countryside and some in the city slums. The one thing that they all have in common is the desire to create a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities. When you purchase Malia, you help create life-changing and sustainable employment for over 300 individuals!⁣ .⁣ #brandspotlight #internationalwomensday ⁣#celebratingallmonthlong #celebratewomen #worldchangingbrands #womenchangetheworld #strongwomen #believeinwomen #elevatewomen ⁣ #fairtradefashion #ethicalfashion #sustainablefashion #whomademybag #fashionrevolution #fairtrade #buyfairtrade #purchasewithpurpose #consciousconsumer #sustainability #handmade @maliadesignsfairtrade

A post shared by fairtradewinds (@fairtradewinds) on Mar 29, 2019 at 2:30pm PDT

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

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The countdown to Mother’s Day continues! We have curated fair trade gifts from artisans around the world who put their heart and soul into their eco-friendly designs. From jewelry to candle holders, to sari flowers, to ceramic dishes, to greeting cards, your gift will empower women and communities around the world. #7Days #buylocal #shopsmall #gift #giftideas #fairtrade #fairtradegifts #mothersdaygifts #mothersday #celebrate #northernvirginia #Arlington #ArlingtonVA #Community #Fairtrade #Roots

A post shared by Trade Roots (@traderoots) on May 5, 2019 at 3:08pm PDT

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

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A basket for Easter, magazines, towels, the farmers market, you name it! These are hand-woven in Ghana out of veta vera grass and add great color to any home. So multi-purpose. #fairtradebaskets #latitudesfairtrade #shopforgood #basketsofafrica

A post shared by Latitudes – Warrenton (@latitudes_warrenton) on Apr 15, 2019 at 1:21pm PDT

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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