WHY FAIR TRADE IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE, SUSTAINABILITY, AND FREE TRADE: SEEKING EQUILIBRIUM AS THE EAGLE MEETS THE CONDOR

Therefore, this paper focuses on integration of Fair Trade and free trade. Part II outlines the basic principles and history of Fair Trade. Part III explores relationships among globalization, sustainability, and shifting perspectives on free trade agreements. Part IV explains the Triple Bottom Line and that Fair Trade is trade that meets the criteria of the Triple Bottom Line. Finally, Part V shows that the time is right for active and widespread application of Fair Trade principles. Politically, the time is right to turn to Fair Trade principles. They are one set of tools that can help guide toward trade that is sustainable. It is all about equilibrium.