Spread Trading Solutions

Giving the gift of fairness

Date 12/2/2004 12:00 AM | Topic: Opinion

Christmastime is traditionally a time where we are supposed to think about spreading good cheer by making someone's life a little bit better. This usually requires a donation of either money or time.

I understand that as students we have different obligations. With deadlines and final exams looming before us, we don't all have the time to volunteer, and everyone knows that most college students have very little money.

I have a possible solution for those with little money to spend and little free time who still want to do something good this season - buy gifts with the fair trade label.

I know that free trade is considered controversial; however, no one can deny that the global market has made huge positive difference in economics of the developing world.

The Fair Trade Federation is an organization dedicated to giving low-income producers the opportunity to sell their goods in a market where consumers are encouraged to buy fair trade products. The sale of such products provides low-income families the money that they need for adequate food, shelter and health care.

Among many other wonderful products you can buy with the fair trade label, my personal favorite is coffee. The majority of coffee farmers around the world who provide coffee to major companies are being exploited. They are not compensated enough to cover production expenses and the cost of living.

The world price of coffee is around one dollar per pound, but the farmers receive less than fifty cents per pound. In contrast, fair trade coffee farmers are promised a minimum income of $1.26 per pound. This small amount of money greatly improves the quality of life for many farmers and their families.

The free trade coffee drinker also benefits. The coffee is fresh and comes straight from the source. In short, it is the best coffee you will ever drink.

If you're looking for great shopping ideas, consider buying gifts with the Fair Trade label. What better way to make a difference than to give a gift to someone you care about and to improve the life of someone you don't know at the same time.

Fair Trade isn't limited to coffee. If you are interested in other products, go to .

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Emily Holley

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