Monday, May 6, 2019

World Fair Trade Day - Learn More

Me. Promoting Fair Trade.
When I started this blog post a few weeks ago, I wanted to exclusively focus on World Fair Trade Day (coming up on May 11th.) And as I researched online, I found little specific to this date. What I quickly noticed was that Earth Day, Fashion Revolution Day and World Fair Trade Day seemed to string together in quick succession. The message? Be cognizant of making ours a better world, each and every day. On Earth Day I posted a blog sharing little things I do and you can do to make ours a better planet. For Fashion Revolution Day, I’m sure you saw many reminders of it's origins stemming from the 2013 Rana Plaza disaster. These occasions remind us to make smarter  purchasing choices.



But what about World Fair Trade Day specifically? The goal of this designated day is to celebrate fair trade and encourage people to support and purchase fair trade goods whenever possible. What better thing is there than to encourage fair and ethical consumerism. So, with this blog post, I'm hoping to do just that.

World Fair Trade Day
The World Fair Trade Organization has a page dedicated to World Fair Trade Day 2019. Click to see what events have been posted in your area. Perhaps there's an event going on near you. If not, you can definitely learn more about activism worldwide.




Fair Trade Innovates
 Are you following the World Fair Trade Organization twitter feed? If not, connect. They consistently post a wealth of information. And as I type, up on top of their feed today, (see photo here) are nearly a million reasons to celebrate. That's nearly a million people benefiting from fair trade enterprises. 



Fair Trade Federation
A great source of information about World Fair Trade Day and fair trade in general is the Fair Trade Federation, of which Dunitz & Company is a proud and vetted member. Their site reminds us that World Fair Trade Day is an inclusive festival of events celebrating fair trade's contribution to fight against poverty, exploitation and climate change. How can you not get behind that? Of course, we think every day should be fair trade day! You probably already believe in many of the things we do. Why not browse the Fair Trade Federation site and see how we articulate our values? The about, fair trade principles and 'what makes us different' sections are so easily understood.

Fair Trade Campaigns
Another great organization worth following is Fair Trade Campaigns. This organization's mission is to encourage towns, universities, congregations and schools to make commitments to fair trade practices. Their site also lists a lot of events. Perhaps you'll find one in your area and join in. Don't be shy. Scroll down the list. If there isn't an activity in your area this month, there may be one next. Filter campaigns by region, and you might find an active group near you.

Fair Trade Los Angeles
Want to get more involved? Many cities have active and organized groups. My city does. Fair Trade Los Angeles hosts regular meetings, screenings, educational talks and socials with like-minded people. Chicago Fair Trade is another active group that comes to mind. Just google it. Your city. Fair Trade. See what comes up. 



Fair Trade Innovates
I'm all about World Fair Trade Day, especially if by designating this day, more people talk about and educate others about the benefits of fair trade. If you're interested in fair trade, get involved any day and any time of year. If you are following World Fair Trade Day events, follow the hashtag #FairTradeInnovates so you don't miss a thing. By visiting some of the links I've shared above, you're well on your way to being a fair trade advocate. -ND