Think Globally Act Locally

Over the past couple years there has been a rising interest in supporting local farmers markets and some even take it one step further and grow their own products, arguing that the benefits on relying on locally grown foods are environmentally friendly and even taste better. The term “locavore” was coined by Jessica Prentice from San Francisco Bay area for the World Environment Day 2005 to promote the practice of eating a diet consisting of food harvested within the area of one’s location.

Because there was so much excitement and momentum driving the local food movement, the word “locavore” won word of the year in 2007 in the New Oxford American Dictionary. The notion behind the movement is to resist globalizing food by encouraging people to become aware of how far food travels, animal welfare, subsidies, lack of care for the environment which is all factors that are associated with nonlocal food corporations.

You might think that the locavore movement sounds like a typical food fad that will dissolve quickly and quietly, but I would argue that because the movement works to reduce the miles that it takes for food to reach your kitchen table (which is typically 1,500 miles) the movements popularity will hopefully catch like wildfire. The movement encourages people to support local vendors to generate money in the local economy which promotes a stronger sense of community.

Also, there is an undeniable increase interest in climate change, energy, agriculture, labor issues, food costs, food qualities which are all attractive qualities of the movement and act as an invitation for all Americans to join. Just like every social movement, even the smallest action that will benefit us socially, politically and economically.

When you think about it, much of our awareness of the food system is based on how much we don’t know. The motivating factor that ignites the locavore movement is ultimately to create better consumer choices and create a new self aware consumer and eater.

So what are you having for lunch?

Fair Trade 101

A lot of people wonder how fair trade is mixed in with the green attitude and sustainable lifestyle. According to Wikipedia’s definition, “fair trade is an organized social movement and market based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries and promote sustainability”. If you haven’t experienced any A-HA moments yet trying to understand fair trade system, don’t worry, we’re about to dive a little deeper.

My best definition would be along the lines of paying a just and fair amount for products rather than taking advantage of the economic situation of where that product is coming from.  It is a system of trade where living wages and employment opportunities are offered for the goods that are produced in developing countries. Fair trade is an equal exchange program where the money you pay for a product reaches the communities delivering it. Basically, it is a way for you to know that the money you are spend on products of fair trade are not being intercepted by middlemen but actually reach the people growing it.  Take a look at the Equal Exchange Coffee Chain image; the distribution of money will make more sense.

Goods, such as chocolate or coffee can be certified by fair trade by organizations like Fair Trade Labeling Organization which affiliates in 17 countries. Producers partner up with international organizations that help them build better skills to market and sell goods. All products that meet fair trade standards do so under strict values that will benefit the people and country the products come from.

So now that you know a little bit more about fair trade products, look for them in your local supermarket, food co-op or café. Perhaps you work somewhere where you can support fair trade products and we highly encourage you to do so. Remember that your actions as a buyer support or discourage actions by businesses. By becoming a conscious consumer you are making the decision to provide better standards of living for artisans all over the world, which is especially important in developing countries.

Plus, it is just another way of knowing that the businesses you support are doing their part in creating a better tomorrow for people who may less fortunate. Hopefully, this helps you understand the need to support fair trade and what it does for our interdependent earth, look for the Fair Trade icon for products that are committed to helping developing countries.