Into October and Deep Fair Trade Month is upon us!

And now you want to know: "What the heck is Deep Fair Trade"?

If you need a visual, please see this poster with all of our events on it. The idea is that in the past few years "fair trade" has been in the process of being dumbed down. What started as a way to address global social and economic inequality has turned, partially, into a way for large corporations to tap into a market that is not only growing exponentially, but that can also make them look really good without making them commit to a different model of business. Many roasters have adopted the language of sustainability, which is on its face a great sign. Having some of these companies dabble in FT has put a little more money into the hands of many coffee producers, and that is good. It also has made many folks think about their coffee purchasing habits when shopping. These are all great first steps.

This is where the "deep" part comes in. It is time to once again ask more of "consumers". Instead of just looking for a label, we should also look at the company behind the label. If the coffee roaster you are buying from is not a 100% FT company, ask them "why not?". If they talk about sustainability, but have invented their own system with no transparency to back up their claims, ask them for proof (and please don't let them tell you that "the proof is in the cup"). Go beyond coffee and look for other fair trade items like sugar, tea, wine, clothing, etc. Fair trade also means supporting local businesses and farmers. Buy food at your farmers market. Go to your corner store instead of the big box store. Switch to a local credit union and away from the international banks. It is possible to take back your local economy and keep more of your community's wealth in your own town.

Every time you open your wallet and whip out your cash (or card) you are making a political choice. This can be uncomfortable, but it is an inescapable truth. We have to pull back the curtain and see the faces of the people who we connect with every time we purchase something made or grown by another's hands. That is the incredible possibility of a deeper fair trade. If we leave fair trade to the big companies and their advocates, the already weak minimum standards will become meaningless. We have to take some responsibility and...

GO DEEPER!!!

Click HERE for our whole calendar of events. And feel free to download and use the poster designed by our friend Paloma Chavez.