There are over 30 million slaves in the world today; more than at any other time in history. www.notforsalecampaign.org
1.4 billion men and women are trying to provide food and shelter for their families on less than $1.25 per day. www.bread.org
Join the Reformation
It’s surprising for most of us in America to learn that our buying habits are contributing to keeping millions of human beings ( 80% of the world’s population), living and working in unspeakable conditions. However, once you become aware of this reality, it’s impossible to make purchases without questions popping into your head, questions like:
Did the woman who sewed this piece of clothing receive a fair wage and work in safe working conditions?
Was the father who grew my coffee beans or tea leaves paid a fair price for his labor?
Is the chocolate I’m buying a product of cocoa harvested by a child in forced labor?
But those thoughts are a good thing! Your heart is telling you that it’s not fair. Think about it; when you buy something you are trading your money for the other person’s goods. Is the transaction fair? Is it a “fair trade”?
Joining the Reformation is as simple as 1,2,3
1. Continue asking yourself the basic questions:
Who made this?
Where was this made?
How was this made?
2. Buy from fair trade resources and stop supporting businesses that create substandard working conditions.
You might begin making the change by purchasing fair trade coffee, fair trade chocolates, or perhaps shopping for unique clothing and accessories that you know will benefit the artisan directly. Visit the Better World Shopping Guide www.betterworldshopper.com which ranks companies on key markers such as Human Rights and Social Justice.
3. Share your knowledge of fair trade with your children, family, co-workers and friends. Be a history maker by hosting a "Make a Difference" party . Go to the Be a History Maker page to learn more. To increase your fair trade knowledge, check out the incredible facts and links on the Knowledge Is Power page under the Make a Difference tab above.
