Most of the time the only thing you can easily buy that's "fair trade" is coffee. I can get that at an ordinary grocery store. But I managed to buy most of my Christmas presents at a fair trade bazaar here in Tulsa (sponsored by a church that's committed to social justice) and I'm glad that was possible. Fair trade products can be ordered, of course. What is fair trade, anyway? A website I just found called "I'm Organic" explains:
•Paying a fair wage in the local context.
•Offering employees opportunities for advancement.
•Providing equal employment opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged.
•Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices.
•Being open to public accountability.
•Building long-term trade relationships.
•Providing healthy and safe working conditions within the local context.
•Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible.
What's sad is that the above criteria are not just standard for all products. But every time we buy just one fair trade item, we're making a little bit of a difference in the world.
The group sponsoring the fair trade show has a catalog and a website lwr.org. There is also information if someeone from another location wants to host a fair trade show. I missed the show this year since I was out of town and was grateful to have the catalog from which to order. Marilyn
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