Free trade is not fair trade

In the Jewel flier for the week beginning Jan. 6, there was an ad for “Free Trade African Sweetheart Roses.” Yes, they are inexpensive, but what is the cost of these flowers to the environment and the workers who grow them?

Fair trade products seek to protect workers' rights, provide a fair income and address environmental concerns. Free trade products come with no such guarantees. Was this ad an attempt by Jewel to capitalize on the consumer movement in favor of fair trade and to confuse the public?

Carol Melby

Rolling Meadows