Sharing the Wealth

Today on OneWorld.net, Sharon Cullars reports that Fair Trade is "sharing the wealth."

Fair Trade 2.0

Tim Davies imagines what the next level of Fair Trade might look like. He wonders if the technologies of connectivity could be fine-tuned to provide consumers with (1) more producers' stories, (2) a sight of the whole supply chain for a particular product, (3) better information to guide decision making, and (4) closer connections with the producers themselves.

Fair Trade is Working

The Independent reports on the maturing of the fair trade movement:

... What was just two decades ago a prophetic alternative espoused by sandal-wearing beardies now has global sales worth more than £1.6bn. Its projects today touch the lives of seven million people, for the better, across the developing world.

This is an extraordinary story, and a good news one. ...

Majority of People Lack Access to Markets

BIPPR writes:

The World Resources Institute has published a report on the 4 billion people who live on or below the poverty line - at the bottom of the pyramid (BOP). They dwell not so much on the poverty, but on the fact that the BOP population segments are, for the most part, not integrated into the global market economy and do not benefit from it.

They write there is no proper market economy, either local or global, they have access to. Without access to larger trade markets they are disadvantaged and likely to remain in poverty. In local markets they are often exploited by their employers, or through middlemen. They do not have access to the basic economic resources, that we have in the West, for example, bank accounts, communication media, information libraries.

As a result - and this is surprising - they are likely to pay more for basic goods and services then wealthier people, either in cash or in the effort they must extend to obtain them.

Jocolat!

New at Fair World Marketplace: Jocolat bars from Larabar!


"JŎCALAT is Fair Trade Certified™ chocolate in its purest form. Harmonizing with fruits and nuts, each flavor contains no more than seven simple ingredients. Deliciously rich.  All Organic. No added sugars. Free of dairy, soy and gluten. A healthy indulgence you can feel good about eating."

We carry four flavors: chocolate, chocolate mint, chocolate almond and chocolate orange. Come try them all!

World Fair Trade Day & Mother’s Day
May 10th, 10-6

Join Us and Make a Statement!

One 12 oz bag Fair Trade coffee &
a Mother’s Day silk flower pin
given away every hour!

Fair trade coffee and other samples
Festivities throughout the day!

The Miniature Earth