October 6, 2009

What’s fair trade? It’s the movement that fights for workers around the world, supporting human working conditions, fair wages, and encouraging eco-friendly practices. October is Fair Trade Month, so take the opportunity to support socially responsible commerce with your family. Looking for a way that your family can support fair trade? Try these great ideas:

• Have a fair trade feast with your family, with courses that all feature at least one fair trade ingredient. Get started with our recipe for Oolong Tea and Ginger Pork Tenderloin (below).
• Organize a fair trade movie night in your neighborhood. Supply fair trade chocolate, snacks, and party favors, then watch a movie that teaches kids about environmental friendliness (anything from Wall-E to March of the Penguins).
• For a socially conscious dessert, let your kid pick her favorite cookie or cupcake recipe and use fair trade sugar (we love Wholesome Sweeteners). While you’re whipping up the treats, talk to her about the importance of fair working conditions for the people who make products you use every day.

To learn more about fair trade, and to find fair trade products and local events, visit fairtrademonth.org.

- Ashley Venable

Seeking to promote the ethical treatment of workers, Fair Trade the White House is inviting Michelle Obama to declare the White House a “Fair Trade Home” and obtain more products from fair trade sources. A number of companies, organizations, retailers, universities, and individuals have already signed the petition, and the group is inviting eco-conscious families to do the same. To learn more, visit fairtradewhitehouse.com.

- Marygrace Taylor

- M.T.

The blustery days of fall are here, and you can keep your kid warm and toasty with the fair trade sweaters from Yellow Label Kids. The cozy knits come in a variety of styles, with motifs like a peace sign, cupcake, and sailboat. All the sweaters are fair trade and have a beautiful handmade look. ($45-$58, yellowlabelkids.com)

- A.V.