There are labels to look for to make sure your money is going toward a good cause.
Chances are, you've seen them in the store: Food, beauty products and clothing that are claiming to be "fair trade."
That label is supposed to mean that they're made in a manner that promotes a "positive work environment," and that the workers are treated and paid fairly.
But are the products you're purchasing actually providing a better life for people in less wealthy nations?
Not all fair trade labeling is trustworthy.
"I am looking for fair trade and organic stuff now," says Rachel Horton.
She is buying into a new trend. She's shopping Fair Trade.
She's not the only one. Sales of fair trade products have increased by 63 percent this year.
"Customers are really looking for ethics that are going behind the company that they are buying from," says Lisa Dunn, owner of Revive, the Fair Trade Boutiques.
However, ethics are exactly what's being called into question. Some products claim to be fair trade, but are considered a part of industry "fair washing" -- meaning they are fakes.
Since fair trade standards aren't regulated by a governmental agency, consumers have to rely on labels. The two fair trade certifiers with the highest standards are The World Fair Trade Organization and the FLO.
Labels that claim "sustainable practices" are not considered fair trade, or even products that only have small percentage of fair trade materials.
"The fact that they are getting credibility where maybe they're not adhering to the same standards or developing the long term relationship and making sure their raw materials are also fair trade," says Dunn.
At Revive, Dunn provides the back story on every price tag. She can name the town, the artisan and where they got the materials.
The more information, the better the chances the product is truly fair trade.
To learn more about what to look for when shopping for a fair trade product, check out FLO-CERT.
A Fair Trade Expo is also being held at John Carroll University on October 22. To learn more information, click here.
WKYC-TV