My Fair Trade Loot
This past fall, after finishing my stint as a volunteer for that one guy (Barack Obama), I was honored with the opportunity to travel to Washington DC and work with an organization called Free the Slaves (www.freetheslaves.net). As it’s name clearly states, their mission is to eradicate slavery.
Yup… there are still SLAVES in the world. The majority of the communities that still commoditize human beings are also deeply effected by poverty. The poverty is usually tied to grossly discriminatory wages. Take for instance, the communities of Africa that make it possible for you to enjoy your Triple Grande non fat vanilla latte.
When I learned about the concept of “Fair Trade” products, I was intrigued and excited that there was something I could do in my every day life to be cognizant and aware of my impact on a world level. While I still get myself a little carmel macchiato every once in a while, I notice the signs on the wall that state that Starbucks is buying more fair trade coffee. Read more HERE.
If you don’t know, “Fair Trade” means:
Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries and promote sustainability. The movement advocates the payment of a higher price to producers as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods.
The Coffee section at my local Grocery Store
In the mean time, whenever I go to the grocery store to refill my coffee supply, I now choose to purchase fair trade. It’s not an option for me, it’s a promise. Depending on the store, it is surprisingly easy to find fair trade options. And the good news is, it’s not necessarily more expensive.
If you’d like to learn more about buying FAIR TRADE, check out the following website: http://www.transfairusa.org/content/WhereToBuy
In the mean time, I’m finally going to cross #36: Choose to drink fairtrade coffee when available off the Life To Do List.
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