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World Fair Trade Day
2008
On and during the week leading up to May 10, thousands of conscientious consumers will celebrate the worldwide effort to create a global economy based on justice, dignity and sustainability.
This year’s theme, “Fair Trade: For the Planet. For the People.” emphasizes Fair Trade’s focus on environmental justice as a part of sustainable development.
Fair Trade protects the environment while promoting sustainable development. Many Fair Trade producers are based in remote rural areas, where resources and infrastructure are scarce. High dependence on the local environment for basic necessities and income generation leave them uniquely sensitive to practices that threaten the environment.
Fair Trade certification ensures that farmers obey internationally monitored environmental standards, while empowering farmers and farm workers with financial incentives and resources for organic conversion, reforestation, water conservation and environmental education. Fair Trade farmers are more likely to use sustainable, traditional growing methods rather than apply agrochemicals, and producer groups frequently use Fair Trade revenues to train members in environmentally sustainable farming practices.
Every day Fair Trade improves the lives of farmers, artisans, and their families by increasing incomes, improving working conditions and promoting democratic principles. Buyers of Fair Trade products also benefit from high quality goods and the knowledge that they are shopping responsibly.
Below are ideas and suggestions about ways to celebrate World Fair Trade Day in your parish and community:
Participate in LWR Fair Trade Projects this World Fair Trade Day
Host Educational Events
Tell us how you celebrated! Send an email to fairtrade@lwr.org with information about your parish's World Fair Trade Day celebration. Photos are always welcome! We'll share your ideas on our website.
Lutheran World Relief's Fair Trade Partners
- Divine Chocolate USA sells Divine chocolate, the first farmer-owned chocolate brand in the world.
- SERRV International, a nonprofit alternative trade organization, has worked to assist low-income artisans and farmers for more than 50 years. A Greater Gift is their handcraft program.
- Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative, is committed to Fair Trade on 100% of its products.
Participate in LWR Fair Trade Projects this World Fair Trade Day
- Set up an LWR Chocolate Project sampling and sales display. Divine Chocolate is great for fundraisers and appeals to chocolate lovers of all ages.
- Host an LWR Fair Trade Fair featuring coffee, tea, Divine Chocolate bars and fairly traded handcrafts from around the world. Every sale benefits the artisans and farmers who made the items—and your parish and community members get high-quality products. This is a great event to include at synod and district assemblies, women’s conventions and youth gatherings, too. Order before April 14th to host an event on World Fair Trade Day, but look ahead to the summer, fall or WFTD 2009 for other opportunities to host a LWR Fair Trade Fair.
- Host a Fair Trade coffee hour after or between services. Brew a pot of Fellowship Blend or other Fair Trade coffee from the LWR Coffee Project and enjoy the company of your fellow parishioners and solidarity with small farmers in coffee-growing regions around the world.
- Start a Fair Trade buying club so members can purchase Divine Chocolate bars; Fair Trade coffee, tea and cocoa; or handcrafts to have on hand for personal use.
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Host Educational Events
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Lead a Fair Trade forum. Invite parish members to a special forum to learn more about Fair Trade. Consider showing “From Bean to Bar,” the new LWR Chocolate Project video about how cocoa gets from the trees of Kuapa Kokoo to your chocolate bar. The video is available free by calling 1-800-LWR-LWR-2.
Fair Trade protects the environment while promoting sustainable development. Farmers in Nicaragua are able to increase the impact of Fair Trade by partnering with LWR.
