Walmart and Fair trade??
Today…I ventured a quick trip to Walmart. While I am not a fan of Walmart, its conveniently located stores make it difficult to not go in a grab your purchases. Plus…in today’s economy saving two dollars here and there does help. I wandered to the coffee aisle ready to buy my regular Folgers or Maxwell coffee. As I was browsing through the more “exotic” brands I made an extremely exciting discovery. There in front of me was a line of fair trade coffee products.
Not only were the coffees fair trade products, but they were Sam’s Choice (Walmart Brand) coffees. I have not idea how long they have carried these products but I was very happy to see this. Not only is the coffee fair trade but it is also relatively inexpensive. They are priced at $5.00 for a 12oz bag. There is a house blend, espresso roast, French roast and even Costa Rican coffee (my current selection).
“What does that mean”
When I was telling my friend how excited I was, she asked “what does that mean, what is fair trade”. For those of you who don’t know what fair trade means let me briefly explain. In short, fair trade means that the farmers and farm workers of fair trade products are given higher incomes and living standards by guaranteeing that they will be paid fairly for their products. In addition they are guaranteed direct trade, community development, safe labor conditions and environmental sustainability. The main goal is to provide the workers and the families of the workers with better working conditions and better pay. While there is criticism that fair-trade does not work and is just another marketing trick…I don’t feel that this is so. I choose to believe that companies really have realized that these hard working families need better pay and better working conditions.
So…
As I sit here sipping on my cup of Costa Rican coffee, I hope that these farmers and their families have benefited from my small, yet well-meaning purchase. The coffee is very good and I hope that everyone who reads this will give the coffee a chance. If not this coffee then try and buy fair trade. There are many fair trade products out there and many are well priced. After all we can all do a small part to improve the lives of others around the world.
Written by: admin | Visit Website
I love the smell of new books and the feeling of nice crisp pages. My stomach does flips when I get excited about a new show or movie I can't wait to see. I am all heart and emotions...sometimes brain. I love feeling inspired by amazing quotes and the dreams of others. I am impulsive...so much so that it can get me in trouble, but I honestly try to do good in everything. My life isn't always exciting, but it's mine and I hope that soon-very soon-I have a chance to do exciting things and make a difference where it counts! I truly want to be the change I want to see in the world.
