Fair Trade

fairtradeBpsa

Ballston Spa
New York State’s First Fair Trade Town

Making progress in the community…
Check out the entire Fair Trade Towns USA site: www.fairtradetownsusa.org

Welcome to the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association’s page about FAIR TRADE.  

What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade seeks to enable economic development through equitable trading partnerships. Fair Trade ensures consumers that the products they purchase were grown, harvested, crafted and traded in ways that improve lives and protect the environment. When you choose to purchase/use Fair Trade products, you are endorsing an economic system that provides opportunities for international farmers, artisans and workers to lift themselves out of poverty.

Fair Trade Towns

In December of 2008, Ballston Spa was declared a Fair Trade Town.  We were just the 9th in the US, and now one of just 24 communities (some small towns and some big cities) across the US that can claim this distinction.

This means that, based on our population of just over 5000 residents we have:

  • at least 3 businesses who sell fairly traded products
  • at least 2 community organizations support fair trade
  • a steering committee 
  • media attention about fair trade
  • a resolution written and passed by our local government supporting fair trade

Local Places That Support Fair Trade

Faith Organizations and Professional Offices which serve fair trade coffee:

  • Christ Episcopal Church, West High Street
  • First Presbyterian Church, 22 West High Street
  • United Methodist Church, 101 Milton Avenue
  • Burlingame Orthodontics, 220 Church Avenue

Cafes or Restaurants which serve fair trade products:

  • Coffee Planet, 100 Milton Avenue
  • Front St. Deli, 39 Front Street
  • The Whistling Kettle, 24 Front Street
  • Iron Roost, 36 Front Street

Retail Stores or Services that use or sell fair trade products:

  • Ballston Spa Veterinary Clinic, 365 Route 50
  • Boho Chic Boutique, 90 Front Street
  • Midtown Wine and Spirits, 77 Milton Avenue
  • O’Brien Pharmacy, 4 Front Street
  • Tree Huggers Children’s Apparel, 78 Front Street