Thank you to all who participated in the Fair Trade Holiday Market in November!  Here are just a few photos of that very cold yet very successful event.

We had a total of 7 organizations represented. The event raised over $1,600 and many conversations were had about how buying these products help restore lives.   Ben & Jerry’s (our local host) was very pleased with the turnout and the event as a whole.  In fact, the owner of Ben & Jerry’s is interested in additional events like this in the future. Stay tuned! Another Fair Trade Market may be in our future.

How does fair trade impact human trafficking?

Fair trade means workers receive fair wages. Poverty is the #1 factor worldwide that feeds the supply of sex slaves. Families who cannot earn fair wages sell their children and even themselves into slavery, most often the sex trade.
Not all human trafficking revolves around sexual exploitation. Approximately 20% trafficked persons are slaves of forced labor. Men, women and children are held captive to keep costs low and production high within the industries of fashion, chocolate, coffee, and jewel mining, just to name a few. If you’re paying less than you should, you can bet injustice — even slave labor — was involved.

When we buy fair trade, we take a stand against human trafficking.
Julie Clawson has written a great book that talks about her awakening to the importance of fair trade. In it she discusses specific industries and the impact these unjust practices have on society and the human spirit. Everyday Justice shows readers how we can use our daily choices to make a huge impact for human rights.
To learn more online or check which of your favorite products and companies are fair trade, visit Fair Trade USA.