VIDEO: Getting to Know Fair Trade in Four 2-Minute Micro-Documentaries

Fair Trade USA recently released a series of micro-documentaries that help bring a better understanding of what Fair Trade is all about and how it helps both people and environment. Take a look...

Fair Trade: Quality Products

"Fair Trade Certified products are some of the highest quality goods available on the market. Farming communities around the world are rapidly realizing that quality-not quantity- is directly related to profitability; leading many Fair Trade cooperatives to invest their premium funds in quality control initiatives. By strengthening their capacity to produce high quality goods these farmers are gaining increased market access, strengthening their business capacity and in turn earning higher wages to support the well being of their families and communities."

Fair Trade: Improving Lives

"Through Fair Trade certification not only do farmers earn a higher price for their goods, they also receive an additional premium fund for community development projects. These funds are used for things like building schools, health care clinics and clean water wells, as well as for home loans, scholarships and transportation. Fair Trade empowers communities to take their futures into their own hands."

Fair Trade: Protecting the Environment

"Fair Trade is not just about earning a higher price for the harvest, it's about learning techniques for sustainable agriculture that help protect the environment and make the world a better place for future generations. To become Fair Trade Certified, farms must adhere to a strict set of environmental standards, including but not limited to: no use of GMO's, minimal and safe use of chemicals, elimination of slash and burn techniques and responsible disposal of waste and water runoff. These standards not only ensure sustainable production practices, but also worker health and safety.

Additionally, while Fair Trade does not require organic certification, it does encourage organic conversion to further enhance environmental commitment."

Fair Trade: Power of the Consumer

"Fair Trade is a system that harnesses the power of the market to help alleviate poverty and generate significant global change; this is why the American consumer has so much power. By making small, simple changes to your everyday purchasing habits, such as choosing a cup of Fair Trade coffee or eating a Fair Trade banana, shoppers are able to vote with their dollar for a better world."

VIDEO: Playing For Change Day 2011

Check this out... great uplifting cause and chance to enjoy some great music!

"http://playingforchange.com/episodes/51 - As someone who makes or listens to music, you know the incredible power it has to connect and inspire.

You're invited to join our 1st annual Playing For Change Day on September 17, 2011 - a global day of action where musicians will perform on stages, cafés, city squares, and street corners worldwide to raise money to support music in the lives of young people.

You can create an event on that day - OR you can find our about PFC Day events in your community - by signing up at PlayingForChangeDay.org. Whether you're performing yourself, or heading out to see another artist perform, everyone's participation is needed to make September 17th a day to remember.

This year's event carries the theme Power To The People, drawing its inspiration from John Lennon's activism, thanks to the gracious support of Theatre Within and Yoko Ono who believe in our mission and recognize it as one manifestation of John's vision for the role of music in creating a better world.

Proceeds raised will go to support the work of the Playing For Change Foundation and Theatre Within to help build music schools, strengthen music and arts education, support teachers and performances, purchase instruments, and connect young people to promote cross cultural learning and conflict resolution.

You understand the power of music and the ways it can change the human heart and the human experience. Will you bring your passion and presence to a global day of music? Please visit PlayingForChangeDay.org to learn more and to participate."