Nov 12, 2007

Fair market values – Shopping movement offers guilt-free giftsBy Debbie CafazzoTheNewsTribune.com

Think of it as your personal contribution to peace on Earth this holiday season. A combination of South Sound shops and church-sponsored events offers you the chance to purchase fairly traded gift items crafted by artisans from Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

What is fair trade?

It’s a growing movement designed to ensure producers of goods around the world are paid fair wages for their work. The goal is to compensate them adequately so that they can work their way out of poverty.

The fair trade movement also emphasizes environmental sustainability, respect for distinct cultures and democratic workplaces. Often, the goods are produced by craftspeople who form a cooperative that uses profits to invest in health care, child care, education and other community needs.

This year will mark the sixth year that members of St. Leo Parish in Tacoma have held their Fair Trade Market during the Christmas shopping season. Dick Meyer, founder of two South Sound businesses that sell fair trade goods – at Antique Sandwich Co. in Tacoma and at Traditions Cafe and World Folk Art in Olympia – has been involved in the movement since the early 1990s. Rebecca Hunt opened Global Creations, a fair trade gift shop in Tacoma’s Freighthouse Square, in July.

All share a passion for improving the lives of people around the globe.

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