Change the world, Change your coffee
Monday, January 21, 2008 at 07:09AM 
Did you know that coffee is the second most traded commodity next to oil? But there is a severe market inequality that affects the lives of 25 million coffee farmers worldwide. There is a difference between free trade and fair trade and the distinction is that fair trade sustains a fair economy and healthy ecosystems.
The consumer choices we make ripple out into the global community. We may think nothing of spending $3 on a cup of coffee to go but choosing a fair trade coffee makes all the difference in the world.
Fair Trade is about sustainability and involves the following principles (from Global Exchange):
- Producers receive a fair price - a living wage. For commodities, farmers receive a stable, minimum price.
- Forced labor and exploitative child labor are not allowed
- Buyers and producers trade under direct long-term relationships
- Producers have access to financial and technical assistance
- Sustainable production techniques are encouraged
- Working conditions are healthy and safe
- Equal employment opportunities are provided for all
- All aspects of trade and production are open to public accountability
Shop for Fair Trade Coffee:
See how colleges are making a difference at United Students for Fair Trade. There is a great series called Natural Heroes which has a video called Coffee to Go - watch it here.
*photo: Didier Gentilhomme via FairTrade.net