Our weekly Bible Study group enjoyed a change of venue this week when on Tuesday we went on a “field trip” to the our local One World Market store. The object was to learn about the difference between fair trade and free trade.
Why should I, as a Christian, bother with fair trade products? Take coffee grown in a third world country as an example. Farmers very often barely survive and yet they are working to give a product (and large profits) to a huge company. The farmers remain poor because the companies do not pay them as they should.
Should we pay more for fair trade coffee? I intend to from now on and by doing so play my part in making sure those farmers get paid a fair price. Hopefully I can make a small difference in the world on behalf of the poor by purchasing coffee, chocolate and other items that have been made by companies who participate in fair trade.
A bonus is that One World Market, located on Ninth Street, Durham (not to be confused with World Market which is not a "fair trade" store as many people think) have a wonderful selection of chocolate and gifts.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Maggie at OWM for opening my eyes.
Why should I, as a Christian, bother with fair trade products? Take coffee grown in a third world country as an example. Farmers very often barely survive and yet they are working to give a product (and large profits) to a huge company. The farmers remain poor because the companies do not pay them as they should.
Should we pay more for fair trade coffee? I intend to from now on and by doing so play my part in making sure those farmers get paid a fair price. Hopefully I can make a small difference in the world on behalf of the poor by purchasing coffee, chocolate and other items that have been made by companies who participate in fair trade.
A bonus is that One World Market, located on Ninth Street, Durham (not to be confused with World Market which is not a "fair trade" store as many people think) have a wonderful selection of chocolate and gifts.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Maggie at OWM for opening my eyes.
