Ideas for Fair Trade

Commodities

• Coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, sugar and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg are products you may use every day. Making the choice to purchase fair trade products will have a continuing positive impact on the food producers. Other regular food items you can purchase fair trade are beans, grains, olive oil, honey and wine. Depending on your budget, you could make a commitment to purchase only fair trade goods or to buy one fair trade item on a regular basis.

Household Goods

• Practical household items that are fairly traded include table linens, ceramic serving dishes, storage boxes, bedding, furniture and children's toys. Fair trade clothing and accessories include scarves, dresses, skirts, blouses, handbags and jewelry. Purchasing fair trade cotton clothing benefits the cotton grower, the textile workers and the garment manufacturer. Crafts include seasonal and contemporary decorative items such as Christmas decorations, wall hangings and candle holders. You can also choose fair trade soaps, lotions and other body care items.

Treats

• If you cannot afford to purchase fair trade commodities all the time, treat yourself and your family to fair trade items on special occasions. Purchase fair trade cocoa and sugar for a special birthday cake. Make a special Mother's Day breakfast with fair trade coffee, bananas, mangoes and pineapple. Add fair trade flowers for an extra splurge. Treat yourself or someone you love with a fair trade chocolate bar. Give fair trade Christmas or other occasion gifts such as a food basket full of wild rice, cashews and other nuts.

Fair Trade Events

• Host a fair trade party where you invite guests to prepare meal items from fair trade foods. Some fair trade companies help you organize a sales event where you offer fair trade products for sale for a short term, such as for a holiday fair. Host a fair trade breakfast in your workplace, school or community park on May 14, World Fair Trade Day. If you are really committed, organize your town or university into a Fair Trade Town or Fair Trade University.