The Fairness of Trade

The Fairness of Trade

Today is World Fair Trade Day, and it gets me to thinking (since my mom mentions going to Walmart and the building collapse in Bangladesh), how many really know and understand fair trade.

According to fairtradeusa.org: Fair Trade began modestly in the 1940s when a few small North American and European organizations reached out to poverty stricken communities to help them sell their handicrafts to well-off markets. Later, a fictional Dutch character, Max Havelaar, was developed as an advocate for exploited coffee pickers. Today, Fair Trade is a global effort. Consumers can enliven developing countries, relieve exploitation and promote environmental sustainability by purchasing Fair Trade-labeled tea, cocoa, fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, sugar, honey, wine, flowers, grains and rubber products.



How does this tie into everyday purchases? When we as consumers read the labels "made in ____" fill in the blank, we are making the purchase power of a lifetime. We can say through that purchase that I will make sure this will not go towards the exploiting of the environment, of people and countries. So here are some steps, look for labels that say fair trade. Look for clothing that is made in the USA or call up the companies and ask how their products are made and how they treat their employees.

Pantry Staples

Pantry Staples

Beans/Lentils:
Chick Peas/Garbanzo Beans
Red Beans
Black Beans
Pinto Beans
Red Lentils/Split Peas (Yellow or Green)
Always rinse if you’re using the cans.
Are less expensive when you buy in bulk.
Shelf Life (Bulk) 24 months Storage Requirements Dry.

Grains:
Quinoa
Bulgur Wheat
Millet
Cornmeal {Always Buy Organic!!}
Amaranth
Couscous
Pearl Barley
Rice {Brown/Long Grain/etc.}
Any of these can be substituted for each other.
Are less expensive when you buy in bulk.
Can be made in a rice maker.
Shelf Life (Bulk) 12 months Storage Requirements Cold (50°- 60° F).

Seeds/Nuts/Dried Fruit:
Sun flower
Flax
Sesame
Flax is another great source of omega 6 {it’s better ground}
Walnuts
Cashews
Almonds
Peanuts
Great source of healthy fats.
Shelf Life 12 months & 6 months for Peanuts
Storage Requirements Cold (50°- 60° F)
Raisins
Cranberries
Dates
Mangos
Mix dried fruit and nuts to make your own trail mix.
Are less expensive when you buy in bulk.
Shelf Life (Bulk) 12 months Storage Requirements Cold (50°- 60° F)

Herbs/Seasonings:
Dried and Fresh can be interchanged in recipes.
Nutritional Yeast
Shelf Life (Bulk) 12 months Storage Requirements Dry & Cold (50°- 60° F)

Juice/Veggie Broth:
Carrot
Ginger
Vegetable Broth {Look for Low-Sodium}
All are great for cooking with when prepping Quinoa, Pearl Barley, and Rice.

Non-Dairy:
Soy {Organic}
Almond
Coconut
Oat
Rice
Hemp {Great source of omega 6, always THC Free}
Hazelnut
Flax

I store items in glass jars. When the container is clear you will eat what you see! This is part of the presentation from Plant Strong that I did.