Every Purchase Matters: How Fair Trade Farmers, Companies, and Consumers Are Changing the World

by Paul Rice

From the founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA, a critical account of the past, present and future of conscious capitalism--the change it has wrought in the world and the potential it still has to confront our greatest challenges.

The climate crisis brings into focus a fundamental how can we benefit from our planet's resources--food, water, air, land--without destroying them? And without hurting each other? Fair Trade CEO Paul Rice has spent his life and career on these issues, pushing businesses to take responsibility for the way their products are sourced and encouraging consumers to buy those.

In a world of labor strife, climate disasters, and unpredictable markets, this book is a reminder of how far we've come already, and makes the case that we don't have to despair. Telling stories of both success and failure, Rice shows how both business and politics can be harnessed to bring people out of poverty and natural systems into balance. He takes on hard questions about financial accountability, the perils of greenwashing, and the struggle to move the world towards a safer, better future, while building an argument that it's still possible. This is a story not merely about sourcing and business, but about the power of ideas and what it takes to make them real.
 
Grounded in the lives of millions of people across the globe, Every Purchase Matters shows readers that the multinational companies often blamed for so many of our social and environmental problems can (and must) become some of the most important actors in creating a more sustainable global economy.

Genres: Nonfiction

336 pages, Hardcover

Published April 8, 2025

Reviews

[William Schram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every Purchase Matters is an invaluable resource on how and why Fair Trade Movements matter. I picked it up from the library because it was on the New Shelf, and because some of the subjects it covers interest me. For example, what's the difference between GMOs and Animal Husbandry? Both manipulate animals or plants to encourage favorable traits.

I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While we know Capitalism is is the root of many of the world's problems, this book goes into more detail about how the reach of corporate greed impacts so many. The stories included in the book are impactful and moving. A well researched and engaging nonfiction read.

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[Dorothy Greco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super helpful to hear behind the scenes stories about why Fair Trade matters.

[Katie Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopecore

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book for anyone seeking to understand the business case for sustainability. A must-read for executives looking to build the foundations for resilient, long-term supply chains