What is People and Planet First?

Around the world, millions of enterprises are choosing to prioritize people and the planet over profit. Not limited to fair trade enterprises, this movement also includes social enterprises, cooperatives, benefit corporations, and others. With different terminology used across different regions, the full scale of this diverse movement can be difficult to gauge.

People and Planet First Verification is a global standard which seeks to unite this growing movement under one easily recognizable banner. By working in collaboration with trusted country-based and global certifications, providing verification in countries where these do not exist, and expanding access to resources among verified enterprises, People and Planet First is working to strengthen the collective advocacy of our global movement.

Chicago Fair Trade is proud to be joining forces with People and Planet First as an Official Referral Partner. Since our inception in 2006, our organization has grown our fair trade business network from just three founding members to over 60 today, making us the largest regional network of fair trade businesses in the United States.

Do you qualify?

If your enterprise meets People and Planet First’s Five Standards, we invite you to apply for verification.

1. Purpose: Exists to solve a social or environmental problem

2. Operations: Prioritizes purpose, people, and planet over profit in operational decisions

3. Revenue: Has a self-sustaining revenue model

4. Use of Surplus: Reinvests the majority of any surplus towards its purpose

5. Structure: Chooses legal structures and financing that protect and lock-in purpose long term