B Corporation-certified Fair Trade Sports is North America’s first brand of athletic balls—basketballs, soccer balls and footballs—that are certified fair trade and certified eco. Fair Trade Sports is committed to providing fair wages and safe working conditions for all of their employees.
Fair Trade Sports provides adults with fair wages so that the adults of the family will have enough income so that their children do not have to contribute to the family income. All of their sports balls have passed the Fairtrade Labeling Orgnization’s standards, and each payment comprises of a 20 percent premium that goes to increasing the standard of living of not simply each employee and their family, but the community at large. Some of the programs include healthcare insurance, microcredit loans and community clinics.
Much like Newman’s Own, all of Fair Trade Sports’ after tax profits go to domestic and international children’s charities. Currently, they donate to Room to Read and Boys & Girls Club, but they encourage their customers to suggest charities for them to donate to.
Fair Trade Sports was founded by Scott James, an advisor, investor, entrepreneur and instructor, who has his own mission statement of "helping others while having fun." James writes for Forbes Magazine on issues of sustainability, as well as updates the Fair Trade Sports blog.
All of Fair Trade Sports’ efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. They’ve been featured many places in the press from O Magazine to Forbes and Business Week. Furthermore, to maximize their social impact, Fair Trade Sports is partnered with other companies in the United Kingdom and Australia.
It’s important to support other fair trade companies, since the most accessible fair trade products tend to be coffee, tea, cocoa and various handicrafts.
Contact Information:
Fair Trade Sports Website
321 High School Road NE, Suite D3 #208
Bainbridge Island, Washington
98110
United States
Telephone: 800-716-4674
Eco-Certified Athletic Balls
Fair Trade Sports is a North American Purpose-Driven Company
Trend Themes
1. Fair Trade Certification - Businesses can explore the opportunity to obtain fair trade certification for their products, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for employees.
2. Socially Responsible Giving - Companies can follow the example of Fair Trade Sports by donating their profits to domestic and international charities, maximizing their social impact.
3. Partnerships for Social Impact - Collaborating with other companies locally and globally can amplify the social impact of fair trade initiatives.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Equipment - The sports equipment industry can embrace fair trade certification to ensure ethical production practices and support social initiatives.
2. Non-profit - Charitable organizations can partner with fair trade companies to receive donations and create positive social change.
3. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry can expand their fair trade offerings beyond coffee, tea, and cocoa to include other products like athletic balls.