fair trade: a human journey

Perhaps you are still looking for a few last minute gifts and that certain someone is little like me - interested in all things regarding justice.  This is not a "wink, wink, nudge, nudge" (like you should go out and buy this FOR me - no, I already have it!) - I am helping you out with your Christmas shopping.  Head out to Ten Thousand Villages because they are the only store in Canada selling the book fair trade:  a human journey by Eric St-Pierre.  It features many Ten Thousand Villages artisans and provides an up close and personal view of what fair trade really involves.  That is, the people who are working in the tea gardens of India or caring for roses in greenhouses in Ecuador, all in the name of fair trade.

"In 2001, four major fair trade organizations defined the movement as follows:

Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency, and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade.  It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the South.  Fair trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, raising awareness, and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade." (p. 12)

"'Fair trade is not a question of charity, but of justice.'" (p. 44)

For more information on Eric St-Pierre or the book go to ericstpierre.ca or www.tenthousandvillages.ca/cgi-bin/category.cgi?type=store&item=2310074