In honor of World Fair Trade Day - Saturday, May 10, 2008 - ydt will be focusing on Fair Trade issues throughout the month of May.

What is Fair Trade?
The Short of it: Fair Trade means that the people who made the product you are buying were paid “fairly” and generally treated with dignity.
The Long of it:
1. Payment of a fair price to the artist, as defined by the local context.
2. Safe and healthy working conditions (think anti-sweat shops).
3. Gender equity - promoting women’s’ rights.
4. Direct, long-term relationships with producers, including advance payment and pre-harvest loans (often connected with micro-financing).
5. Re-investment in communities - promoting health care, education, etc.
6. Democratically run cooperatives.
7. Environmental responsibility.
8. Transparency & accountability.
9. Some organizations, like Ten Thousand Villages, offer technical assistance, market information and product development support.
10. Customers in “the West” (developed world) gain access to and appreciation for Fair Trade products from “the South” (underdeveloped world).

What better way to delve into an issue than going to the source? Ten Thousand Villages is considered the pioneer of the Fair Trade movement in the U.S. This non-profit was first started in 1946 out of the trunk of Edna Ruth Byler’s car. It now works with over 100 artisans in more than 30 countries with 160 retail locations in North America. Ten Thousand Villages has paved the way beyond fair trade coffee, tea and chocolate to support the makers of cultural goods ranging from jewelry to musical instruments to skin care products.

Go see for yourself at the Ten Thousand Villages store in Pasadena (496 S. Lake Avenue, 91101, (626) 229-9892). Also known as “Pasadena Villages,” this store is a haven for those seeking eclectic cultural items, holiday gifts with a heart, a friendly staff and a constant flow of complimentary Fair Trade coffee. Click here to view a YourL.A. television clip featuring the store, as well as our co-founder Lauren.

ydtDeals: Mention that you are a ydt reader and receive a 15% discount all month. (Please note that this offer applies to purchases made at the Pasadena Villages location only. It expires May 30th and does not apply to the purchase of gift cards).

ydtEvents: Pasadena Villages will be hosting the following upcoming events:

• May 3rd: Urban Gardening Seminar with Path to Freedom.
• May 10th: World Fair Trade Day
• May 12th: Book signing of Fair Trade: A Beginner’s Guide
• May 13th: Book signing of Fair Trade: A Beginner’s Guide (at UCLA)
• Check our Events Calendar for more information.

Fair Trade Links:
Fair Trade Resource Network - good general resource
Global Exchange - internship opportunities, “reality” tours, etc.
Make Trade Fair - in connection with Oxfam Internationl
Co-op America - “Economic Action for a Just Planet”
Certification bodies: FTC, IFAT & FTF

Categories:  Location: Pasadena, Wednesday--Wellness & Beauty