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Fair trade now: everything you need to know but were too lazy to care about
Word of the day - fair trade. How is this organized social movement promoting sustainability?
Fair trade is a market based approach to empowering <a href=" http://74.125.45.104/search?q=cache:8rUKlneY5_4J:www.ao... target="_blank">developing countries</a> to produce a wide variety of goods in an environmentally friendly manner.
Notable goods include <a href=" http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/coffe... target="_blank">coffee</a>, <a href=" http://www.transfairusa.org/content/certification/sugar... target="_blank">sugar</a>, <a href=" http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/fairtrade/products/... target="_blank">bananas</a>, <a href=" http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/fairtrade/FairTrade... target="_blank">wine</a>, and <a href=" http://www.fairtrade.net/honey.html" target="_blank">honey</a>. Much like labels that carry with them a trusted slogan like "made in the USA," products that are certified as "fair trade" have concrete and relevant value with exceptional quality.
Mainstream agricultural producers have formed a virtual monopoly. Their goods can be mass produced, sold, and shipped at the lowest cost possible undercutting smaller farmers that operate more sustainable practices.
Fair trade organizations are responsible for getting the little guy in the big game and raising awareness to promote change in international trade.
Buy fair trade and visit the following websites for more information:
<strong><a href=" http://www.fairtradefederation.org/" target="_blank">Fair Trade Federation</a></strong>
<strong><a href=" http://www.transfairusa.org/" target="_blank">Fair Trade Certified</a></strong>
<strong><a href=" http://www.fairtrade.net/" target="_blank">Fair Trade Labelling Organizations International</a></strong>
<strong><a href=" http://www.crsfairtrade.org/resources/download.cfmd... target="_blank">CRS Fair Trade Resources</a></strong>
<strong><a href=" http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/fairtrade/" target="_blank">Co-op America: Economic Action for a Just Planet</a></strong>
Photo by <a href=" http://flickr.com/photos/43675147@N00/319783617/" target="_blank">crsfairtrade</a>. Word of the day - fair trade. How is this organized social movement promoting sustainability? ... more -
First organic fast food chain opens in Germany
Organic. Regional. Seasonal. Fast. Fine. Nat.
Yep, Nat.. We really don't understand the period, but we get the concept. "Nat." is the name of an organic fast food restaurant which has opened in Hamburg as the first of a planned chain of fast-food locales to be run by both the parent company and under franchise. The menu starts with soups and salads, for a strong vegetarian or vegan basis. Entree offers include burgers -- either beef, lamb or vegetarian; grilled chicken, steak or fish plates; and a selection of seasonal hot casserole or pasta dishes. Your conscience will wince at turning down the fruit salad in favor of the chili-chocolate cake. Could it compromise on a sweet waffle with berries? A kids' menu suits the younger pallet and keeps the family pocketbook in order.
Organic, Sustainable, Fair and Responsible
The menu is designed quarterly to emphasize regionally produced ingredients, all of which a certified organic. Where imports are used to spice up the menu, Nat. is committed to many products that are Fair Trade.
Growth Strategy for Organic Fast Food at Nat.
Nat. is striving to open several more locations in Hamburg before the end of the year, and to have at least five outlets in each of Germany's major cities: Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, Berlin and in the industrial belt known as the Ruhrgebiet. The five-year-plan at Nat. envisions 16 company stores and 34 franchise locations. Expansion outside of Germany, into England, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Austria will meet the foreseen demand for wholesome, planet- and human-healthy meals.
Fast-food and to-go are booming in Germany. The organic trend which grows worldwide strengthens the core following which organic foods have long enjoyed there. So Nat. is a natural to be successful. Organic. Regional. Seasonal. Fast. Fine. Nat. ... more -
Celebrate, Don't Mourn Collapse of WTO Talks by Robert Weissman
"Predictably, the cheerleaders for corporate globalization are bemoaning the collapse of World Trade Organization negotiations
What the spike in food prices has made clear to developing countries is that their food security depends fundamentally not on cheap imports, but on enhancing their capacity to feed themselves. The Doha rules would have further undermined this capacity." "Predictably, the cheerleaders for corporate globalization are bemoaning the collapse of World Trade Organization negotiations ... more -
Bra straps help women in Columbia.
This company is changing the world of interchangeable and fully adjustible bra straps. They have worked endlessly to create the best product out there, and are excited to launch into clothing designs to compliment their strappities too. Not only will you be able to hook them up to your bras; but tanktops, underwear, and more are in the works.
Feel Good Factor
Not only is Strappity-do-da the best and strongest bra strap out there, this product is also proud to partake in fair trade. Shelly's mission for this US-based company was to bring aid to Cali, Colombia and the women artisans there make all of her Strappity-do-das. These female workers are diligent and proud of their creations. They receive above-avergage wages which help them feed and educate their children. Way to go! This company is changing the world of interchangeable and fully adjustible bra straps. They have worked endlessly to create the best ... more -
"Battle in Seattle" film about WTO riots to be released in September
"In 1999, five days rocked the world as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Seattle in protest of the World Trade Organization. Among them are Django (Andre Benjamin), Sam (Jennifer Carpenter), Lou (Michelle Rodriguez) and Jay (Martin Henderson). United in their desire to be heard and to make a difference, for these protesters, this is very personal and the stakes are higher than mere politics. A peaceful demonstration to stop the WTO talks quickly escalates into a full-scale riot and an eventual State of Emergency results. The streets are mayhem, the WTO is paralyzed. Caught in the crossfire are Seattle residents, including its beleaguered mayor (Ray Liotta), a riot cop on the streets (Woody Harrelson) and his pregnant wife (Charlize Theron). The choices they make will change their lives forever.
With his ensemble cast writer/director Stuart Townsend intertwines different points of view from a cross section of society - from protestors and police to delegates and doctors - who intentionally or accidentally find themselves on the streets of Seattle in those last days of the millennium. Townsend seamlessly merges footage of the real event with his fictional narrative and, ultimately, Battle in Seattle illustrates that, even against incredible odds, ordinary people can change the world."
(End of excerpt from BattleInSeattleMovie.com)
For more information please visit http://www.battleinseattlemovie.com/
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Excerpt from C. Robert Cargill's critique from Movie.com:
"[I]t very much was like Crash and Bobby, except much better than I found either of those films. Centered on the infamous 1999 Seattle WTO riots, it follows the point of view of protest ringleaders, the mayor, two police officers, a news crew, two WTO representatives and a pregnant housewife. We watch as these characters are forced into conflict in one way or another. From the rioters engagement with the police to the mayor trying to hold the city together to the WTO members undercut by a riot separating them from achieving their goals, this film shows the many facets of people all trying to save the world amid a very bad situation.
The result is an enthralling explosion of conflicting ideologies each executed by someone who believes they are doing their part to make the world a better place: from the officers trying to keep the peace to the mayor, who feels both parties should have a say, to the protesters trying to send a message while having to fight against the destructive anarchists in their midst. Battle In Seattle presents a series of very complicated issues that all point towards one conclusion –- that maybe having an unelected governing body control the commerce of all the most powerful nations in the world isn’t such a good idea..."
http://www.film.com/movies/story/review-battle-seattle-... "In 1999, five days rocked the world as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Seattle in protest of the World... more -
Bonnie Raitt & Dolores Huerta BraveNation.com Video
Interviews worth watching.
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Minor leaguer traded for 10 bats
McALLEN, Texas (AP) -- During three years in the low minors, John Odom never really made a name for himself.
That sure changed this week -- he's the guy who was traded for a bunch of bats.
"I don't really care," he said Friday. "It'll make a better story if I make it to the big leagues."
For now, Odom is headed to the Laredo Broncos of the United League. They got him Tuesday from the Calgary Vipers of the Golden Baseball League for a most unlikely price: 10 Prairie Sticks Maple Bats, double-dipped black, 34-inch, C243 style.
"They just wanted some bats, good bats -- maple bats," Broncos general manager Jose Melendez said.
According to the Prairie Sticks Web site, their maple bats retail for $69 each, discounted to $65.50 for purchases of six to 11 bats.
"It will be interesting to see what 10 bats gets us," Melendez said. McALLEN, Texas (AP) -- During three years in the low minors, John Odom never really made a name for himself. ... more -
Just Coffee: A Solutions for Illegal Immigration?
This documentary examines a small organization’s desire to alleviate immigration through just priced coffee sales – their effort eventually allowing Mexican natives to reconsider their journey over the border. This documentary examines a small organization’s desire to alleviate immigration through just priced coffee sales – their effort event... more
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A Tale of Two Activists: Rough Cut
Everyone wants to change the world, but just exactly how do you do it? The ambitions of Jim Keady, a nationally known activist against Nike sweatshop practices, and student Martina , an advocate for fair trade around campus, come together when Jim visits Elon University in North Carolina. With Jim's experience and Martina's passion for advocacy, they might just make a difference. Everyone wants to change the world, but just exactly how do you do it? The ambitions of Jim Keady, a nationally known activist against... more
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Scotland's Fairtrade nation campaign backed by government
Scotland may become the world's first Fairtrade nations, and the plan has been given support by the Scottish Government. This means that every city and 55% of local authority areas have to achieve Fairtrade status. "Fairtrade nations require annual 5% increases in the proportion of the population who know about Fairtrade issues - Scotland currently stands at 45%. The criteria also specifies that at least 75% of people have to buy a Fairtrade product every year, with 40% buying such goods regularly." Scotland may become the world's first Fairtrade nations, and the plan has been given support by the Scottish Government. This mea... more
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Fair Market Bling
Jewellery designer and anthropologist Pippa Small's first fair trade jewellery collection sold out in Topshop as soon as it arrived. Pippa, who has designed for Gucci and Chloe, spends much of her time in developing countries where she trains people in jewellery making. Jewellery designer and anthropologist Pippa Small's first fair trade jewellery collection sold out in Topshop as soon as it arriv... more
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Fairtrade sales soar, up 81%. But how fair is it?
The Fairtrade industry is booming. In 2007, we spent £493 million on Fairtrade products in Britain alone, up 81% from the year before, according to the Fairtrade Foundation. They see that as unquestionable success. But others are questioning whether this success is making its way to farmers, or whether the Fairtrade label is just another 'hollow marketing device.'
A report by the Adam Smith Institute claims that Fairtrade is failing at promoting long-term economic development and actually 'harms' third world farmers, leaving many of them worse off. The "Unfair Trade" report, released on the heels of the announcement of record sales figures, says that only 10 per cent of the Fairtrade premium paid by consumers reaches producers.
Fair or unfair? What do you think? The Fairtrade industry is booming. In 2007, we spent £493 million on Fairtrade products in Britain alone, up 81% from the year before,... more -
Addicted To Peace
"Mirembe Kawomera means "delicious peace" in Luganda, a Ugandan language. 400 Jewish, Muslim and Christian farm families, organized by Abayudaya Jewish farmer J.J. Keki, live and work in greater dignity when you drink kosher, delicious Mirembe Kawomera Ugandan Coffee.
Drinking Fair Trade certified coffee is tikkun olam "repair of the world" at work! Fair Trade certified means that these small-scale African farmers earn a guaranteed living wage for their fine coffee regardless of world market fluctuations." (site cite)
Finding another fine example of how food and prosperity projects are bringing together people typically divided is beginning to truly fortify my belief that there is such a thing as GOOD NEWS. http://current.com/items/88838077_oil_for_peace)
I, for one, will be devoting whatever time I can in finding alternative sources of (food) consumption for conscious Americans like you and me who prefer to support companies that foster unity, coexistence, and natural balance so that we here in the west can put our money where our heart is and deny violence and hatred of ever claiming victory. Please join me!
How does it taste? Most likely better than Starbucks, that's for sure. Decaf? Not sure of that either, but at least you'll get the jitters with a peace of mind. "Mirembe Kawomera means "delicious peace" in Luganda, a Ugandan language. 400 Jewish, Muslim and Christian farm familie... more -
Buy Fair Trade Chocolate for your Valentine!
There's no denying that eating chocolate, if you are a chocoholic, makes you feel good because it tastes so good. Now you can feel even better by buying "Fair trade" chocolate for Valentines Day and help end child slavery. There's no denying that eating chocolate, if you are a chocoholic, makes you feel good because it tastes so good. Now you can fe... more
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Can multilateral trade work for the poor?
Protectionism, self-reliance and village republics are not enough to lift 1.3 billion of the world’s poor out of absolute poverty. There is sufficient empirical evidence to demonstrate that trade can be a powerful catalyst for poverty reduction, that free trade with fairer policies will benefit the world's poor more than aid or charity. The problem is that World Trade Organisation negotiations and global trade are far from free and fair, with the balance skewed in favour of powerful trading blocs like the US and EU and against poorer nations. Protectionism, self-reliance and village republics are not enough to lift 1.3 billion of the world’s poor out of absolute poverty. The... more
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To pull a thorn from the side of the planet
A vast majority of cut flowers sold in the United States, 79 percent, are imported, mostly from countries with mild climates, like Colombia and Ecuador. But only a small minority of flower farms have adopted environmentally friendly methods, like banning toxic chemicals for pest control, said Nora Ferm of the International Labor Rights Forum, an advocacy organization where she is the program director of a “fairness in flowers” public education campaign that began a few years ago.
And few of those farms, Ms. Ferm said, bother with occupational health and safety measures for workers, who can suffer pesticide-related illnesses like headaches, rashes and birth abnormalities among their children. A vast majority of cut flowers sold in the United States, 79 percent, are imported, mostly from countries with mild climates, like Col... more -
Make your voice be heard!
The Annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, is accepting the participation of You Tube user in its Congress Center viewing and answering the significant suggestion to what companies or individuals must do in order to make the World a better place in 2008.
Most of the conflicts we have in the World today is caused by economic inequality and its consequences.
The idea that corporation, which in many aspects decide the way other human beings and the environment are treated, are considering to take in consideration opinion and ideas of single individuals, like you and I, make me feel quiet optimist about the possibilities of a future with fair way of living for all!
So, it's up to you! You've up to January 27, 2008 to address them!
Make your voice be heard!!! The Annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, is accepting the participation of You Tube user in its Congress Center viewing ... more -
Devita Offers Beauty From The Inside Out
by Nicole
Devitas amazingly effective line of botanical skin care products has become a firm favorite with the Daily Mantra. For those that need regular exfoliation, their Acne Solution Pads are quite simply transformational. With both salicylic and glycolic acids to slough off dead cells, witch hazel to tone and aloe vera to soothe and moisturize, the pads pack quite a punch without being drying. Other favorites in the range are the 2-Step Home Alpha Beta Peel Kit, the Tomato Leaf Mud Masque and their Daytime Solar Moisture Protection 30, which contains vegan hyaluronic acid (a molecule that can hold 1,000 times its weight in water and is normally harvested from animals) to keep skin super hydrated, and micronized zinc oxide to protect without giving you that ghostly white sheen that other less refined SPF products do.
We use organic ingredients when we can get them, says Devita founder Cherylanne DeVita. When an organic ingredient cant be found, Cherylanne works hard to find the most natural alternatives. Take our glycolic acids for instance, she says, instead of using Glypure which is a sold through DuPont, we use a blend that comes from Italy thats sourced from molasses, apples, and sugar cane. Certified by PETA on two levels, Devita offers guilt-free beauty. Not only have we not tested any product on animals, explains Cherylanne, we have the sources of our ingredients certify that their ingredients have not been tested on animals.
This morally and environmentally sound ethos is followed through in Devitas corporate culture. I believe corporate America is really in a better position than any one else to make a difference. One voice can change the world but one company can do a lot to inspire other companies to follow suit, says Cherylanne. Here at Devita we have our carbon footprint traced, and were working on a program right now to help to replant trees to offset what is non-recyclable in our boxing.
We provide a womens work week here for employees that have children. I think its very important for moms to be home when their children get home from school, adds Cherylanne. Her Phoenix based company also contributes to local after school programs for teens who dont have parents working for such an enlightened corporation, and for each product sold a portion of profit is donated to Planet Hope which provides support to homeless adults and their children.
http://www.dailymantra.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedailymantra by Nicole ... more -
No Sweat Solution
Globalization, unionization and profit sharing. In recent years many American textile companies have had to outsource their operations to sweat shops around the world to compete in the global market. The documentary No Sweat takes us inside the walls of two clothing companies that decided to keep their business in the U.S. We look at the managers, employees and cultures behind American Apparel and Sweat X as they struggle to turn a profit. Globalization, unionization and profit sharing. In recent years many American textile companies have had to outsource their operations... more
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