http://www.care2.com/greenliving/a-great-little-video-about-fair-trade.html
A Great Little Video About Fair Trade
There’s nothing quite like a good cup of coffee to get you going in the morning. I know whereof I speak because I am attempting to wake myself up with just such a thing right now. I am off to work in a bit and am trying to shake off the sleepless night I had (no doubt as a result of the late night java fix I had last night so I could get some other work done).
In about 30 minutes I will head off to work, secure in the knowledge that I will offer a days work for a fair days wage. Thanks to my union, I will receive hours that work towards my health benefits, will be covered by insurance should I be hurt on the job, and will have money paid into a fund that will hopefully be waiting for me when I someday retire. All in all I have it pretty good.
While I sit here sipping away however, I can’t help but think of the large number of people the world over who don’t have it nearly as good as I do. Take this cup of coffee for instance. Who grew the beans, who picked them, who washed them? Truly I don’t know, but I am at least secure in the knowledge that they were paid a fair wage for their efforts. Why? Because my wife and I made a decision a long time ago to buy fair trade products whenever possible.
I’ve written about fair trade before but having just come across this great little video, I thought it was worth bringing back to the forefront again. Fair trade certification means that you can rest assured that the people who make your products are being paid a livable wage and are being compensated in a manner that allows them to continue and in most cases improve their livelihood. I like the video because it addresses the benefits to the farmer, the retailer, and the consumer, in a simple digestible manner.
Let’s face it, everyone wants a bargain these days, but at what cost? You may save a few pennies here and there buying otherwise, but do you really want to do it at the cost of another’s livelihood. I know I don’t. Fair trade is one of the few ways you can make purchases secure in the knowledge that your money is reaching the people it should. So sit back, pour yourself a nice cup of fair trade coffee, and enjoy.
Dave
Dave Chameides is a filmmaker and environmental educator. His website and newsletter are designed to inspire thought and dialogue on environmental solutions and revolve around the idea that no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. “Give people the facts, and they’ll choose to do the right thing.”
related stories
-
(3 comments)
-
(5 comments)
-
(13 comments)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
5 comments
add your comment »The video is wonderful! It really makes an excellent point that everyone can make a choice to be a conscious consumer, and it's not difficult. Please remember fair trade isn't just coffee, chocolate, and bananas... Fair trade is also helping people in marginalized countries learn how to sustain themselves with art. Former prostitutes learn how to weave, victims of human trafficing learn how to make jewelry, destitute people make beautiful items out of what we call trash. Also, fair trade crafts are sustainable, good for the planet, and preserve culture. We as consumers should ask for fair trade items where we shop.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I just heard about Fair Trade a few weeks ago. Is it only for coffee? I've never seen the label. Am I supposed to contact Folgers and suggest it to them? Does Dunkin Donuts have fair trade coffee? I just bought coffee 2 weeks ago because the can I had in the cabinet had expired in 2006! (I don't drink much coffee but would want Fair Trade if available.)
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Spread it around. That's the best way to do it.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I'll put my plug here (and I'm a customer, not the vendor) for Cafe Mam. Best. Coffee. Ever. (Even after 5 days of cross-country shipping.)
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
why isn't this video on the nightly news??? How do we reach more people with info like this? It is so good to see and know that it's working.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: