Sustainable trade aims to promote economic growth without harming social conditions or the environment. The World Trade Organization oversees global trade and settles disputes between countries. However, there is conflict between supporters of free trade and fair trade. Free trade promotes economic growth through competition and globalization but can negatively impact workers and widen wealth gaps. Fair trade aims to provide farmers and artisans a living wage through equitable partnerships between producers and consumers. Achieving a balance of sustainable free and fair trade requires agreement between parties and individual support of responsible companies.

1. Sustainable TradeWhat it is, current issues involving it and YOUR role in maintaining itContainer trade at Fremantle Ports www.fremantleports.com.au

2. Sustainable trade is an umbrella term used to imply a trading system that does not harm the environment or deteriorate social conditions while promoting economical growth.www.euractiv.com/en/socialeurope/sustainable-trade/article-117546

3. The Major PlayersFor the past 15 years, theWorld Trade Organization (WTO) has served as the "overseer of world trade." This organization of 153 members settles disputes between countries as well as guides decisions about the impact of trade on working conditions, the environment, and foreign investment. -World Trade Organization. (2010). Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 13, 2010, from Grolier Online __http://gme.grolier.com/article?assetid=0315505-0__

4. …Conflict of InterestA major issue that the WTO must acknowledge is the conflict between supporters of free trade and the supporters of fair trade. As countries work together and trade together, they must agree on the ways in which to trade.

5. …Let’s take a closer look at the Fair Tradevs.Free Trade Debate

6. Free TradeFree trade is a concept that promotesunrestricted trade among countries. Proponents of free trade assert that this form of trade promotes economic growth. The competition that results from free trade promotes lower prices for consumers and the constant interactions among countries promotes globalization.

7. Negative Effects of Free Trade

8. Negative Effects of Free TradeLarge corporation push out smaller businessesUS jobs are lost to overseas production where labor and safety laws are not well enforced Money is drained from the poorer countries as corporations fail to reinvest locallyThis has only furthered the gap between the rich and poor as “the richest 20% of the world’s population has 60 times the income of the poorest 20%.”www.twohandsworldshop.com/blog/images/fairtrade.bmp

9. Fair TradeFair trade means an equitable and fair partnership between marketers in the North and producers in Asia, Africa, Latin America to provide low-income artisans and farmers with a living wage for their work. It also promotes new methods to encourage trade in environmentally friendly products, such as organic produce, and eco-labeled production.http://www.euractiv.com/en/socialeurope/sustainable-trade/article-117546

10. …seeking a balanceStriking a balance of a sustainable economy free from unfair wages and working conditions as well as economic independence can only result if we balance free and fair trade. However, striking a balance is difficult because it involves bureaucracy and agreement. The individual can play a key role in supporting this balance by acknowledging and supporting companies, conglomerates, and subsidies that don't exploit workers.

11. How the recent earthquake in CHILE affected their tradeChile’s main trading partners are the United States, Japan, Germany and Brazil.

12. Copper accounts for 42% of Chile’s exports.

13. Around $7.5 billion is made annually from copper exports.Due the earthquake, production at four major mines was suspended - affecting around 20% of the country's capacity http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8541640.stmWhat Your COUNTRY Can DoA nation’s responsibility in promoting sustainable trade

14. What Your COUNTRY Can DoTake an active role in the sustainability of their natural resources. -Educate its citizens on how to preserve resources -Promote recycling and other responsible environmental duties to its citizensPartake in a trade system that best suits its citizens and its resources.

15. Have a preparation system to follow in the event of natural disasters that will promote resilience in its economy and its citizens’ livelihood. What YOU Can DoAn individual’s responsibility in promoting sustainable trade

16. WhatYOUCan DoBe an informed consumer -Know the origins of the products you buy -Understand how supportingdomestic andinternational products helpsyour economyBe more cognizant of your role in preserving our natural resources and protecting our environment.Other ReferencesContent:http://globalli.wikispaces.com/Sustainable+Tradewww.wto.orgwww.greenpeace.orgwww.euractiv.comImages: Unless stated otherwise, images were provided by www.images.google.com

17. Videos: www.youtube.com