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Fair Trade Awareness Month

Since October is Fair Trade Awareness month I thought I'd make sure everyone knows what Fair Trade means and where to support!

Fair Trade is a market-based system which aims to promote stability in the market for emerging developing nations by ensuring workers receive fair pay, good work environment standards. In addition Fair Trade ensures social and environmental responsibilities, with emphasis on sustainability.

"Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South. Fair Trade Organizations, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade. Fair Trade products are produced and traded in accordance with these principles — wherever possible verified by credible, independent assurance systems." (Source:
^ European Fair Trade Association. (2006).

Fair Trade goods are becoming more and more readily available, which is great. Here are some ways to support the movement:

*Ben & Jerry's: Vanilla, Chocolate, Coffee or Coffee Heath Crunch Bar
*Dunkin Donuts: Iced Coffee or Iced Espresso
*Starbucks: Cafe Estima Blend
*Peet's Coffee & Tea: Ask for the Fair Trade Blend

In addition to those treats, you can purchase fair trade food, drink and handicrafts at Target, Wal-Mart, Safeway, Stop n Shop, Costco, Sam's Club, Trader Joe's and of course Whole Foods. Please comment here with any additional places you've found your favorite Fair Trade Items.

Spread the word!

(Image:
www.waltshouse.com)

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Yay for fair trade!
I was at my favorite grocery store Central Market in Mill Creek WA a couple of weeks ago when I noticed signs for it.

If you live in Western Washington and haven't been to a Central Market give it a try. In my experience they have more eco-friendly and fairtrade items than other grocery stores. Check out their website at
http://millcreek.central-market.com/newSite/millcreek/home.php

Now enough shameless plugs... One of my favorite products they carry is Coconut Bliss. It is a line of certified organic, vegan ice creams made with coconut milk and agave syrup. The dark chocolate is my favorite! By far better than any other chocolate ice cream I've had. You can check out their incredibly informative site here,
http://www.coconutbliss.com/index.html