My journey to fair trade...
In 2006, I attended the Green Festival in San Francisco. As I was walking through the sea of displays, I felt the Holy Spirit highlighting all of the Fair Trade products and their stories. I noticed a common theme—how through a fair wage, each consumer can make a difference. I knew then that it was my purpose to educate others about fair trade. I returned to Texas and immediately began researching fair trade products. I learned the following:
1/5 of the world’s population lives on less than $1 a day
1.7 million people die each year from lack of safe drinking water and basic sanitation.
Over 27 million people, the majority of them women and children, are slaves. That's more than at any other time in history!
I realized that I, like many "good"people, was not aware of how my purchasing power; the items I purchased for myself and my family, was contributing to the exploitation of these people. I began asking myself tough questions: Did the worker who sewed my garments do so in safe working conditions? Did the farmer that raised my coffee beans receive a fair price for his labors? Are their children involved in making the products that I buy? If children are involved, are they being put in danger? How old are they and are they being cared for?
Due to the knowledge I gained through research, I made a commitment to alter my shopping habits. By buying fair trade coffees, teas, and chocolates I could help eliminate poverty; simple! If I purchased fair trade gifts and accessories, I could help alleviate human trafficking; simple! The changes I made were small, easy really, but I knew what I was doing was making a dramatic difference in peoples' lives.
We need a reformation in our society. William Wilberforce began a movement in England in the late 1700’s callled "Lets Make Goodness Fashionable". Wilburforce said "We must fight for a perfect order." I realized, as the saying goes in England, we can't all individually get it together, but together we can get it all. That is what I stand for, stand with me, help end these atrocities occuring daily around the globe, together we can change a life. Check out the "Make a Difference" tab at the top of this page.
Because ALL are loved....
Sharon Cansler-founder of Beloveds
