Monday, October 5, 2009

Fair Trade Month

Fall is here. And October is now about more than costumes and candy. October is Fair Trade Month.

Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach that seeks to engage small producers in developing countries in the global retail market. The movement serves many purposes: as an advocate for the local producer, to promote environmentally responsible standards in the production of goods, and to provide a sustainable effort to fight poverty. It focuses on exports from developing countries to developed countries. Products such as coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit, chocolate and flowers are common items available through Fair Trade. Handicrafts are also available at select retailers.
Fair trade respects the labor, talent, and self-sufficiency of the individual, it rewards a strong work ethic, and combats poverty and many of its horror-filled effects. Through our every-day choices and selections, we can each fight against poverty, hunger, abuse, and human trafficking.
Check out the website http://www.fairtrademonth.org to learn a new fact about Fair Trade each day, and different ways to support this global effort.

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