As a Citizen of the World
(please click on each picture to see the descriptions)
*This is my contribution to the 40 day fast. Please also read Alex’s post!
I wanted to talk about two things that have really helped me and my family keep our focus on doing something good, and keeping our perspectives outward.
We are all citizens of the world, and it is our duty to do something- even something small- to help another human being. We are all capable of doing something. The most important thing is to draw ourselves out of our own worlds and realize that the choices we make, the things we buy, and the words we say, do affect those around us, and sometimes even affect people across the world.
One thing that has been great for everyone in our family has been sponsoring 2 children through Compassion. These kids have grown, and are excelling in their schools, and it has been amazing to cultivate a relationship with them, and know that we have the opportunity to help these kids’ throughout their lives, and to pray for their specific needs. I love the work that Compassion is doing.
For this 40 day fast, I really wanted to grow some more, in my own personal way of living. I wanted to start doing something, that was tangible and realistic for me. So, I began to research the topic of Fair Trade, and I found that it is really something amazing!
Fair Trade is, a system of trade- of products, that is enabling farmers, and people in other countries to improve their own economic status. ”Fair Trade helps farming families across Latin America, Africa and Asia to improve the quality of life in their communities.” (USA Fair Trade Overview)
As stated by one of these farmers, ”A bite of fair Trade chocolate means a lot to farmers in the South. It opens the doors to development and gives children access to healthcare, education, and a decent standard of living.” ~ K. Ohemeng-Tinyase, Managing Director of Kuapa Kokoo cocoa cooperative, Ghana
Fair Trade offers:
Fair Price
Fair Labor Conditions
Community Development
Environmental Sustainability
and more…
Fair Trade products are found in most grocery stores, and online. While shopping for your coffee, chocolate, bananas, etc. familiarize yourself first, with the logos, and then purchase these products, and you are helping people in underdeveloped countries. It’s easy for us to do. It keeps our minds on something more important, and is making every cup of coffee, or bite of banana count for something.
I encourage you to research Fair Trade, and start purchasing something that you would regularly, with the Fair Trade logo, and actively help improve the lives of people, through a simple small purchase.
“We can choose to do nothing, but we need to acknowledge that this choice is not a neutral action, but rather a continuation of unsustainable behavior that will result in the world being a little worse off each day…. If most of us choose to do something to make a positive change, then the world will be a lot better off.” ~Dave Rochlin
This great video is the “Story of Fair Trade,”
Find more videos like this on EQ CONNECT
July 24th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been trying to learn more about this subject and every bit of information helps.
I was praying for you today even though I didn’t know who was blogging. Couldn’t get to the web.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Wait, this is for the 25th. It is 12:20 a.m. No wonder I’m the first one to comment. I will pray for you by name today! I’ve got to get in bed!
July 25th, 2008 at 6:20 am
Thanks Nancy! Those websites I linked to are full of information and resources, hope that helps.
July 25th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Kristin, great topic! I’m not super-familiar with the availability of fair trade products, but you’ve got me thinking to ask the managers of the stores I frequent. Went to the link above to find local fair trade products, and in my area there is only one place that sells something besides coffee that is fair trade (and I don’t drink coffee). But I will be asking my Kroger about other products.
I’ll be praying for you today.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Great post Kristin. I think Fair Trade Products are awesome. I found out about them a couple years ago and have been getting as many as I can since. Target actually carries quite a few (as I’m sure you’re aware of.
I just mention that ’cause I think a lot of folks don’t realize they are easier to find than you might think. I even buy some of my cooking products Fair Trade. It’s also wonderful because a lot of the organic and healthier stuff I get the kids and I are also free trade. How perfect is that?! The thing is, as you perfectly said… “even if it’s small…we are all capable of doing something.” I know the Lord isn’t just looking at the amount of money we can or can’t spend, He’s looking at the condition of our hearts “as we draw ourselves out of our own worlds.” Thanks for this post today.
Blessings – Melody
July 25th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Great post, Kristin!
I buy products from The Body Shop – a huge supporter of fair trade. They have some great values, as a company, and they sell special items when to support current needs across the world (you know, buy this bag, and so much money will go to help hurricane victims in Whatever City…). You can read more at their webpage:
http://www.thebodyshop.com/
July 25th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Euphrony, It is hard to find some products on the shelf. I am pretty sure that there is also a sugar that Kroger carries, and maybe some teas. (not sure if the Kroger is different in your area)
Melody~ Yes I did notice that Target carries quite a few. They also talk about it in their meetings, and have the info. in the break rooms.
Is there a store or online resource where you buy most of your products?
Annie~ I had no idea that the Body shop was a supporter of fair trade, that is awesome! I love their products, and it’s been awhile since I’ve bought them. I’ll have to look at their website too. Thanks!
July 25th, 2008 at 11:09 am
I found this site about the Body Shop.. so cool!
http://www.thebodyshopinternational.com/Values+and+Campaigns/Our+Values/
July 25th, 2008 at 11:53 am
[...] | As a Citizen of the World | My [...]
July 25th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
When our budget came out this year I was amazed to see how much our church spends on coffee. Last week, they made the switch to a fair trade product. That made me happy!!!!
July 25th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Great post Kristin, fair trade is so important!
July 25th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Adrienne and I are always thinking about buying organic, but I know we never think about buying Fair Trade. This is the first I have heard of it…I have seen the logo, but never took the time to read on…thanks for the info.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Great post Kristin! This is such a practical and tangible way for us to make a difference.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
[...] Kristin posted a great message about Fair Trade. Alex wrote about loving our neighbors. If you missed them, [...]
July 27th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Kristin – How great that Target actually posts about it and shares about it in meetings. I had no idea about that part. Very cool.
As far as where I get Fair Trade products. Of course, I get quite a few at Target, but I also gets lots at our local whole foods stores. Most cities have ‘em and although I’m sure they vary, I have found those types of places to be a great resource for Fair Trade and Organic products in general. Also, we have some great staff at several of the “Kansas City” area ones. If you can’t find something they are usually pretty good about helping point you to additional resources. You may already frequent lots of “whole foods” shops/markets like this in your area, but if you don’t you should check it out.
Have a blessed week.
Melody
July 28th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Kristen,
I had a terrible time loading the movie though I tried several times.
Where can I find out as much about the logos to look for and who sells free trade stuff as possible?
July 28th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
truevyne,
I am sorry that you couldn’t load the movie, did you try the link underneath it?
Wikipedia has a lot of useful info. on fair trade, and also the sites I linked to.
the black and white logo is the one that I have seen the most of.
July 28th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Thanks, Kristen. I’ll check out Wiki.
July 29th, 2008 at 11:31 am
I’ve been a huge advocate of Fair Trade for a couple of years. It just makes sense. It’s one of the simple ways we can make a difference with our purchases as a consumer.
Very well-written explanation. Great post.
July 31st, 2008 at 11:17 pm
[...] is the last day of the 40 Day Fast. There have been a number of good posts recently, including this one by Kristin about fair trade. Check out inspiredtoaction.com in the coming days for a roundup of this [...]