I've been a keen supporter of fair trade, organic, and natural products for some time now. It's not that I have plenty of cash to throw around, but it's that I realise I need to put my money where my mouth and heart is. So whenever I can, I try to buy these products but always wisely. And when you hunt in the right places, you realise that fairtrade and organic products are not always more expensive or priced exorbitantly. Case in point: Tea from Marks & Spencer. These are Extra Strong Fairtrade tea that beat Lipton's weak brew hands down. I first discovered them about 1.5 years ago and have never looked back. Cost wise, depending on how many you buy, they range from $0.086 ($6.90 for 80 bags) each to $$0.066 each ($15.90 for 240 bags). The miserably, watered-down brew from Lipton? Last I checked from NTUC Fairprice's online site, its price ranges from $0.084 ($2.10 for 25 bags) to $0.053 ($5.30 for 100 bags) each. Given the huge difference in quality - honestly, the M&S tea is full-bodied and really shiok - I am willing to pay a wee bit more and support the Fairtrade movement at the same time.
Another favourite of mine are the Yummy Earth lollipops. Comparing them to the grossly-sweet Chupa Chups would be an insult. These lollipops have 100% natural flavours, no artificial dyes, 100% vegan, GMO-free, and no corn syrup. I like them too because you can really taste the subtle flavours. They cost $5.50 for 15 pieces, or $10.50 for the 30 pieces which comes in a reusable container. They work out to be about $0.36 each. Chupa Chups cost about $0.28 each, when they're on offer, or $0.33 each otherwise. And please don't try to compare by weight, cos that would be crazy. I don't think lil kids can tell that Yummy Earths are slightly smaller, and flatter, as long as they have a lolly in their hands!So don't be so quick to judge and say that fairtrade and organic are priced out of range. Not all are, if you look carefully.
If you're keen to know more about fairtrade, you could start off reading a piece I wrote last year: Changing the world with ethical shopping
