Posts filed under ‘Fair Trade News’
All that sparkles
Hi my fair trade friends!
Liz here. My office-mates are out at the Fair Trade Conference in Washington state or abroad visiting artists, which leaves me to contemplate…. ‘what would I like to post about?’
DIAMONDS!
Not so much because I have in inkling to own one, but because as a new friend asked me about featuring her fair trade bridal jewelry on this blog. I thought to myself “jewelry!” – that’s an topic unto itself. Now this post isn’t dedicated to those bridal jewelry pieces of Linda’s (the friend) but it is dedicated to a question I’ve had in mind for some time:
“How do i avoid blood Diamonds?”
I figure if it’s a question I’ve wondered, there’s bound to be someone else out there wondering too. And so with you in mind, i took action! In a quick search I found a really interesting organization called the FJA, the Fair Jewelry Action who promotes environmental justice and human rights.
Think diamonds & engagements. Think fairly traded gems. Fairly traded metals. Customizable pieces. 100% profits to charity. I’d say that’s a cool thing. And so…
Behold: The Clarity Project.
Check them out! And, if you know any lovebirds – pass the word along.
Fair Trade goes Bridal!
Well fair trade fans and explorers, this last week we had super exciting news from the Fair Trade Federation: A Bridal Guide! It’s chock full of ideas & sources for wedding things and gifts.
Fair Trade Federation Bridal Guide is here!
I’m giving them some serious kudos for this work. I found so many neat things and even other FT companies I’d never heard of! Personally, and collectively here at the office, we think this guide is bigger than brides. We think it’s a great tool for shopping year round. But, as June is here, I thought it might be a perfect introduction to the month. Without further ado… a sampling… (from the guide and from other things i found from companies listed in the guide. )
Making your own invitations? Check out this paper ! From MrElliePooh.com
What a beautiful wedding gift! Modern Bali Tea Set from Servv.org
Silk Ties for the groom and groomsmen from GlobalGoodsPartners.org
Candied Almonds make great takeaways! From CanaanFairTrade.com
Servingware from SevenHopesUnited.com
A fair price for Ben & Jerry’s
I was reading through my emails this morning and caught this link from the Fair Trade Federation site. Turns out that this novelty ice cream maker has its sights on using all fair trade ingredients by 2011 in Europe and 2013 in the US. Not shabby! Ben & Jerry’s has always had a social mission in mind, so although the announcement surprised some, it fits their bill, so to speak. In the article, the founders relate that organic is not always sustainable (socially, we presume) and that donations only “go so far”, and so, they’ve decided to focus on another area where it counts…. farmers and workers.
“Buying cheap materials abroad to sell products at home for a high profit margin is unethical and unfair. What may just be a few pennies to us makes huge differences abroad. We want people to understand that you can make a decent profit and still pay decent prices to your suppliers at the same time. So you make a little less profit, but you are not making obscene profits on the backs of the world’s poorest people: that is the essence of fair trade. – Ben Cohen, Founder of Ben & Jerry’s” (cited from the article).
See an interview here.
With over 350 ingredients, this transition won’t be easy. But next time you’re in the grocery in that oh-so-dangerous frozen novelty section, reach for B&J brand and send them the message that you too support sustainability!
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