What is the first secular thing that comes to mind with the word “Easter”? Chocolate, of course. Chocolate eggs, chocolate bunnies…gobs of chocolate that make our minds twitch with guilty pleasure.
How about guilt-free chocolate? The pounds may stay, but not regrets about how that yummy stuff got to us. The same with coffee, tea, rice, sugar, juice, honey, wine, flowers, crafts–all sorts of things that often reach our homes through the mistreatment of people in other countries. Many, often young children, work under harsh conditions to support their families. But it’s the only work available. The FAIR-TRADE MOVEMENT aims to change this, to provide employment, fair wages, decent conditions, and money that goes back into their communities for health and education. This is not “free trade,” which is political, among nations, but “fair trade,” valuing the well-being of people.
Participate by buying products on-line (Google “Fair Trade”) or at Safeway, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Cost Plus, Peet’s, Starbucks, and elsewhere. Watch for the “Fair Trade” symbol on packages. Ask the manager. Make your interest known. Then, maybe just one more nibble wouldn’t hurt….
