Educate yourself on fair tradeOctober 24, 2008
Though currently I have surpassed the implied age limit for trick-or-treating I have fond memories of the experience. The elaborate princess and superhero costumes; the sacks of candy pounding against our legs as we raced around the neighborhood; spilling out the candy once home and exclaiming at our victory.
What I didn't know, as a child, was the story behind my prized mini-chocolate bars. I didn't realize that there was an arduous process to get that chocolate to the United States; I couldn't begin to imagine that somewhere someone was suffering because of me.
October, in addition to the holiday of Halloween, has also been designated as National Fair Trade Awareness Month. A Fair Trade product indicates it has undergone an extensive certification process that enables farmers and artisans around the world a just, living wage for the work that they do, eliminating a possible middle person who takes a percentage of the profits. With this additional income the farmers and artisans can provide basic necessities, like food, clothing, and education, to their children.
Once introduced, I became instantly passionate about Fair Trade, and desired to educate others. A great venue for this education is the Hastings Public Library, which has recently acquired various resources for both beginners and advocates who want to increase their knowledge.
For those new to the concept David Ransom's "The No-Nonsense Guide to Fair Trade", and "Fair Trade: A Beginner's Guide", by Jacqueline DeCarlo are perfect introductions. Though small paperbacks, both are packed with information and are perfect introductions to the movement.
And a movement it indeed is, as Matthew Anderson maps out for us in his brand-new book "Making Poverty History: The Story of Fair Trade". Throughout this remarkable history Anderson informs the reader of how the events got started, highlighting the key players and organizations credited with propelling Fair Trade to the forefront.
To explore further the reasons why you should buy Fair Trade, check out "50 Reasons to Buy Fair Trade", by Miles Litvinoff. Litvinoff expands beyond the basic definition of a just, living wage with other crucial reasons why a consumer should support Fair Trade.
A crucial aspect of Fair Trade is education. For parents wanting to start young a new children's book about Fair Trade was released this past year. "Zapizapu Crosses the Sea : A Story About Being Fair", by Diane Abad Vergara tells the story of how the delicious zapizapu is grown and harvested. Through the course of the story children will learn the importance of being fair to others for things that we want.
Another great way to educate others is through film. The documentary "Black Gold" is a heart-wrenching account of coffee farmers in Ethiopia trying desperately to receive decent wages to support their family. The film is an accurate, visual image of how crucial Fair Trade is to the developing world.
So, this October, educate yourself. Then act by buying Fair Trade mini-chocolate bars. Enable a farmer across the world to earn a fair wage for his work. Be part of this justice movement.