What's the difference between free trade and fair trade?

[janetcake]

Fair trade also encompasses a lot of things! It is a system that assists artisan groups by helping them year after year. Companies such as Ten Thousand Villages stay with their vendors so that they make a living. Some groups after being vendors for Ten Thousand Villages for many years, are now sending their children to college! Fair trade companies also emphasize sustainability for our earth. Recycling is encouraged not only because reuse is often inexpensive but it at the same time helps protect the environment in the country where the artisans live and breath. Fair trade tries to be fair and I believe, it is.