fair trade gifts - Global Exchange

The following is a guest post from the fine folks at #FairTuesday, the ethical holiday shopping movement happening Tuesday December 3rd, 2013.

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Looking for an alternative to the madness surrounding holiday shopping this year? Look no further….

#FairTuesday is a movement to inspire conscious consumerism in response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. More and more designers are creating lines that are ethically produced in artisan communities around the world. Scores of small businesses around the country are committed to fair trade principles. #FairTuesday is a call to action for all the amazing designers, companies, press outlets, and consumers committed to conscious consumption and a website where consumers can find them all in one place.

You can help us create the change in fashion that the organic movement has created in the food industry. Change doesn’t happen all at once, it can start in little ways. #FairTuesday is about making ethical consumption a daily possibility. It can be overwhelming—once you start thinking about the origins of your clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, where do you stop? We started #FairTuesday to remind you that ethical consumption can start small and have a big impact.

Check out the participating organizations on www.fairtuesday.org.
Make at least one gift you give this holiday season fair trade or ethically sourced.
Buy fair trade coffee for your morning cup.
Like #FairTuesday on Facebook and share with your friends.
Tweet, post and pin away. Just four more days to enter our#FairTuesday Pinterest contest and have the chance to win more than $700 in prizes and get your products in front of our panel of celebrity judges.

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Global Exchange is Excited to Support #FairTuesday

Thanks to all the folks who are working so hard to make #FairTuesday a huge success. Whether you’re planners or participators, something this great doesn’t happen without the support of dedicated people. (Insert pat on the back here.)

Global Exchange is so excited to participate and support #FairTuesday.

Check out this fun Facebook photo album with images of Global Exchange staff (including Abad the dog) showing their support.

We have three #FairTuesday related gifts for you to consider choosing that are in line with your values:

1) Fair Trade Gift Package includes Fair Trade coffee, chocolate, and a beautiful block printed tote bag from India.

2) Global Community Gift Package includes the Fair Trade items mentioned above PLUS candles from South Africa AND a pendant from Cambodia – both made by co-operative producers.

3) Peace On Earth Action Kit includes a combination of goodies to help educate about Fair Trade and take action.

We also have 1 Action You Can Take to Support Fair Trade!

Sign your name and pledge to Only shop Fair Trade this holiday season. Say no to big box stores and products made with sweatshop labor and ensure that your product respects human rights.

Thank YOU for supporting #FairTuesday and Global Exchange. Happy Holidays!

At the Global Exchange Stores in San Francisco and Berkeley we have boxes and boxes of new products arriving daily for the new fall season.

Jocelyn Boreta, buyer for the Global Exchange Fair Trade Stores, with artisan partners in Guatemala

Wondering how we choose our Fair Trade products for fall?

Fall is the special time of year when our partners in Fair Trade introduce their new collections, and every year, as the buyer for the Global Exchange Fair Trade Stores, I attend the New York International Gift Show where I can see, touch, and sometimes try on what’s new in Fair Trade. A growing number of Fair Trade businesses have booths at this show, which is great to see.

Here are a few of my favorite finds from this year’s show:

Coming Soon!
photo credit: Mercado Global

Weekender Bag Hand-Loomed in Guatemala by the Mayan Women of Mercado Global

I love the rich color and texture of this bag. A beautiful example of the combination of Mayan craftsmanship with modern design.

Mercado Global is a social enterprise which builds change from the ground up in rural Guatemala: providing education, tools, and access to international markets so that women can build their own businesses and invest in their own communities.

“Through my work, I see that women do have the power to transform their communities, even the world” said Santa Aju, a Mercado Global Artisan Partner.

From one of the most marginalized populations in the world, their artisan partners are rising to become leaders in their communities and a source of change in global sourcing practices.

Coming Soon!
photo credit: Handmade Expressions

Vintage Journal Handmade from Recycled Cotton Rags in India by the artisans of Handmade Expressions

I love these journals for their smart design, cute line drawings and soft cotton paper.

They are made by a man named Wasim and his family in Sanganer village, in west Rajasthan, India. His family has been in the paper making industry for over 80 years, an artistic tradition passed down from one generation to the next. The raw paper is made from recycled cotton rags and the exquisitely crafted journals are bound by hand.

Wasim’s workmanship is excellent and he earns a lot of respect in the community for his art. He mentions that it is hard work, but he enjoys the satisfaction of creating something so beautiful and the opportunity to express himself creatively. He hopes that this art stays

alive in times to come.

Handmade Expressions works with over 5,000 artisans like Wasim in the production of Fair Trade products.

100% Alpaca Poncho hand knit in Peru by the artisans of Indigenous Designs

This piece is simply incredible. The 100% alpaca knit is soft and light, for beautiful movement during wear. It’s design is bold, functional and from the heart. I ordered an extra one for myself, and another for the manager of our stores.

For 20 years, Indigenous Designs has been committed to:

Supporting and preserving fair trade wages and artisan cooperatives
Investing in natural and organic fibers and environmentally-friendly dyes
Spreading the beauty of handmade, eco fashion.

They work with over 300 knitting and hand-looming artisan groups in rural South America, mostly in the areas surrounding the Pampa Canahuas Reserve in the South of Peru.

Mario and Maria Huisa, two of Indigenous Designs’ many artisan partners, started with only one knitting machine and the passion to make a difference in their community. Today, Mario and Maria have built a new home, own ten knitting machines, four linking machines and provide work for up to 40 artisan knitters within their community.

TAKE ACTION!

Come see for yourself all the new Fair Trade products we have rolling in. The Global Exchange Stores are located in San Francisco and Berkeley, so stop by and check out our new fall selection!

And while supplies last……enjoy a FREE 12 oz bag of Fair Trade Peace Coffee with your purchase of $20 or more!

'Tis the season to shop Fair Trade at the Global Exchange Fair Trade Stores

Holiday tree at the Global Exchange Fair Trade store in San Francisco

I walked into the Global Exchange Fair Trade store in San Francisco last week to cross off the last of the names on my gift list. This holiday season I made a promise to myself; to only give socially responsible gifts. I made some, I purchased some from local artists and craftspeople, and I purchased Fair Trade gifts.

For many years now, I’ve purchased some of my holiday gifts from our San Francisco store. It is one my holiday traditions. I love seeing the giant tree with Fair Trade ornaments from around the world hanging proudly.

Jocelyn, Kara and Alex from the Global Exchange Fair Trade Store in San Francisco

The staff are always welcoming and friendly. Festive even! When I tell them who is left on my holiday gift list, they are always eager to suggest gift ideas. And when I leave, I feel good about my purchases. Because I know my gifts are great AND that my money was well spent because Fair Trade purchases help support hard-working artisans from around the world.

For those who are curious, here are a few of the holiday gift finds I’ve purchased from our San Francisco store:

Set of vetiver placemats— (which smell great and come rolled up for easy shipping.) Surprisingly they are machine washable which is great, because my brother is a messy eater!
Cruelty-free leather bracelets–These multi-strand leather band bracelets are really hip looking. Jewelry can be hard to pick out for someone else, but not these bracelets. Rockers, fashionistas, even hippies…they work for lots of styles. I’ve gotten a few of these for both friends and family. (Ok, and one for me too, I couldn’t help it!)
Tunisian pottery

Tunisian pottery–there are lots of pieces in the collection, and they’re gorgeous! If you have a small budget, there are smaller pieces under $20. Even the larger pieces are responsibly priced.
Soapstone heart-shaped rocks–you have to see these to appreciate their beauty. Amazingly, they are made without the use of any electricity. The artisans use only human-power to create these one-of-a-kind stones. They are super smooth, some are red, black, with various designs. Giving someone a smooth heart stone just feels right. I’ve given the same person one of these stones two years in a row, because you can’t have enough love in your life.
Winter wear–Uber hip fingerless gloves, matching scarves and hats, there’s lots to choose from, and they’ve got sizes for kids and adults.
Chocolate–You can never go wrong with Fair Trade chocolate bars, unless of course your gift recipient is a dog, since chocolate is not good for them:) I grab bars and attach them to the outside of some of my presents for that extra pop. I also help Santa out by putting some in stockings.
Journals–This is an easy gift to give someone, because having a fresh new book to write in is never a bad thing.
What About Peace? gift card sets–this is the first year Global Exchange put these out, and I love them. They feature artwork from our What About Peace? youth art contest. Call me old-school, but I still believe a nice hand written note beats email any day.
What About Peace gift card set
Stocking stuffers galore–our stores have tons of stocking stuffers under $10, too many to name! One of my faves is the little organza baggies filled with Equal Exchange chocolate minis.

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That’s just a few of the many gifts I’ve scored at our San Francisco Fair Trade store!

So if you live near one of our Fair Trade stores, (Berkeley, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and Virginia) I encourage you to stop by and say hello, and find gifts for those still on YOUR list. You won’t regret it!

Whether you celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or none of the above, the Global Exchange Fair Trade Store Holiday Parties are a great time for socially responsible shoppers to come together and celebrate. And they’re coming up fast!

This year, all of our Fair Trade store locations will be celebrating on the same evening; Thursday, December 6th. (See below for more details.)

Party highlights:

Enjoy some holiday cheer and find gifts for your loved ones, while creating a more sustainable and just world.
FREE Fair Trade mug hand-painted in Tunisia FULL of steaming Fair Trade hot chocolate! *First 25 people to spend $25 or more
Mix and mingle with new friends and old
One-Night! 20% OFF Storewide for Global Exchange Members Only (Click here to become a member now). *Please bring your Global Exchange membership card to receive your discount.

RSVP On Facebook:

Berkeley Store: 2840 College Ave (at Russell) Berkeley, CA 94705 510-548-0370
San Francisco Store: 4018 24th Street (near Noe) San Francisco, CA 94114 415-648-8068
Virginia Store (inside Busboys & Poets): Shirlington Village 4251 South Campbell Avenue Arlington VA 22206 703-379-9756
Washington, DC Store (inside Busboys & Poets): 5 & K 1025 5th Street NW Washington, DC 20001 202-842-4525

I seriously don’t think I’ve missed a single Global Exchange Fair Trade Store holiday party since I started working here waaaay back when. It’s such a fun night. I’ll be at the San Francisco party this year, hope to meet some of you there!

Happy Holidays everybody,

Here’s your healthy dose of Fair Trade news. But first, a warm n cozy fair trade giveaway announcement!

FAIR TRADE HANDMADE ALPACA WINTER WEAR GIVEAWAY

Stop by any Global Exchange store now through December 24th, and we’ll give you one FREE gift when you buy any three gifts from our selection of alpaca knit gloves, hats, and scarves.

Here’s a sample shopping list:

Mom: Choose from a wide selection of beautiful hand-woven scarves. Whether she loves 100% alpaca, alpaca-acrylic blends, bright colors, soft colors, traditional or modern styles, we have the perfect scarf for her.

Dad: Keep that head warm this winter! Dad will love our alpaca hats – choose from classic beanies or colorful styles with earlaps and tassels!

Sister: Fingerless gloves are the perfect winter gift for sis. We have a beautiful and extensive selection this year; everything from colorful patterns to tasteful, simple gloves. Be sure to check out our slouchy arm warmers too.

Brother: FREE gloves or hat. Choose from a variety of Nepalese wool gloves or hats, FREE with the purchase of any winter knit items.

This offer is good at any Global Exchange store through December 24th or while supplies last.

Photo Credit: Hoop Fund

HOOP FUND COMBINES MICROLOANS & ETHICAL SHOPPING

Have you heard of Hoop Fund yet? Self-described as “a unique crowd-funding platform that enables you to enjoy ethically produced products and to invest in the farmers and artisans behind these goods.” Basically, when you purchase with the Hoop Fund, you’re buying a product, plus you’re also providing a loan to the person/people who make the product.

For those of you still in need of holiday gifts, check out their site!

For you fair trade businesses out there, I noticed on their site they welcome partnerships with brands that practice fair trade principles, so might be worth checking out for potential future collaboration. There are some recognizable fair trade names already involved, including Alter Eco and Indigenous Designs.

Sustainable Food Summit 2011

SUMMIT IN SAN FRANCISCO JAN 17-18 ADDRESSES FUTURE ROLE OF FAIR TRADE AND ECO-LABELS

What is the future role of Fair Trade and other eco-labels in a food industry that is increasingly looking at the ‘triple bottom line’? This summit aims to address this question.

From the Sustainable Foods Summit website: Learn, debate and discuss the major developments in eco-labels and sustainability at the Sustainable Foods Summit. The fifth edition of this international series of summits takes place in San Francisco on 17-18 January 2012. Like previous events organized by Organic Monitor, it will bring together key stake-holders to debate and discuss key sustainability issues.

To get a taste of what to expect, here’s a video from the Summit last year:

FAIR TRADE IN THE NEWS…

San Francisco Chronicle: Victoria’s Secret cotton unravels kids’ lives

Cotton from her first went from her hands onto the trucks of a Burkina Faso program that deals in cotton certified as fair trade. The fiber from that harvest then went to factories in India and Sri Lanka, where it was fashioned into Victoria’s Secret… Read article, or listen to this story on NPR.

MarketWatch: Callebaut(R) Launches Fairtrade Certified Chocolate

Callebaut(R) Finest Belgian Chocolate(TM) announced the launch of Fairtrade certified versions of its popular 811NV (55.3% Cacao Dark), 823NV (35.1% Milk) and 70-30-38NV (70% Cacao Dark) references to confectioners, bakers and pastry chefs. Read article.

NOW Toronto: Fair trade war brewing NOW Toronto

Split in movement signals a new tolerance for corporate farming and retailing: Here’s a bit of bad news that emerges, ironically, from a generally good-news situation. The meteoric rise of ethical consuming over the past decade has given rise to forces causing the first serious split in fair trade ranks in over 25 years. Read article.

Journalist’s Resource: Does Fair Trade Deliver on Its Core Value Proposition? Effects on Income, Educational Attainment, and Health in Three Countries

A 2009 study by researchers at the University of Wyoming, the University of Nebraska and the International Cotton Advisory Committee published in the Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, “Does Fair Trade Deliver on Its Core Value Proposition? Effects on Income, Educational Attainment, and Health in Three Countries,” examined how participation in an alternative trade organization (ATO) focused on fair trade affected the family income, education and health of producers. Read article.

Grist: Fair trade lite: Fair Trade USA Moves Away From Worker Co-ops

Compared to so many other purchasing decisions — the “Certified Fair Trade” logo has made buying ethically produced coffee a relatively simple choice. Most of us either buy fair trade or we don’t. But that’s all about to change. Read article.

The Guatemalan Times: Mexican Small Farmer Fair Trade Producers Speak Out: we can only move forward with authentic fair trade

On December 7th, Francisco VanDerhoff Boersma, co-founder of the first fair trade certifying body, Max Havelaar, and the renowned small farmer co-operative in Mexico, UCIRI (Union of Indigenous Communities of the Region of Isthmus) submitted the following extremely important proclamation from the Mexican Coordinator of Small Fair Trade Producers as a comment on our earlier blog post. Due to its importance, I’ve taken the liberty to have it translated from Spanish and am posting it here. Read translation.

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Check back here in January on our Fair Trade blog for the next Fair Trade News Round-Up…your one-stop shop for current Fair Trade news and events. And if you’ve got big Fair Trade news to share, email me. Happy Holidays and New Year to you!

Global Exchange Berkeley Fair Trade Store Staff

Our Fair Trade Stores are throwing holiday parties on Dec. 15th (all are invited!) in Berkeley, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. The evening will bring seasonal spirits and refreshments while guests shop for Fair Trade gifts from around the world.

Here’s What to Expect at our Holiday Party:

Exhibit A: Recycled glassware display I snapped at the SF store 2010 holiday bash

1) First the obvious: A wide selection of Fair Trade gifts from around the world. I have at least 5 people left on my gift list, and I hope to cross them all off by the end of this party!
2) 20% OFF everything in the store (can’t combine with other promos) when you use the secret party password. Don’t know what it is? Visit our Facebook page to find out, and click “like” while you’re there.
3) Knowledgeable, friendly staff just waiting to help you find the perfect gifts!

Fair Trade Store Director Jocelyn (r) with former Asst Mgr Ariel (l)

4) Ladies and gents dressed to impress. Global Exchange staff and members tend to get all gussied up in our holiday best, and we sure do clean up nicely! It’s certainly not a formal affair, but holiday sweater sightings are likely.
5) A shombler or two:) Shombler is a word I just made up. It’s a cross between a shopper and a stumbler. (There’s a good chance you’ll spot at least one person who gets just a little too tipsy from the free wine.) Full disclosure: that shombler most likely will be me.
6) To meet progressive people and make new friends. Every year our holiday parties bring together a terrific group of like-minded individuals; Global Exchange members and staff, friends, family and community members.

What Not to Expect at Our Annual Fair Trade Store Holiday Party:

Now that you know what to expect, here’s a couple of things you should not expect to find at our annual Fair Trade holiday party:

Mass produced sweatshop-made products. We pride ourselves on offering handmade products from around the world, with fair prices for consumers and fair prices paid to producers.
A long drawn out program. This is a party, complete with spirits and munchies, music, laughter and a whole lotta shopping. There is no formal program for the evening, just the extended Global Exchange community coming together to mix and mingle the evening away.
To leave empty-handed or empty-bellied. Between the appetizers, holiday spirits and shopping your heart away, there will be plenty to take away from our annual Fair Trade holiday party. So come on out!

Global Exchange 2010 holiday party attendees shopping about

TAKE ACTION

Attend the Fair Trade Holiday Party: Hope to see you at the Global Exchange Fair Trade Store Holiday Party. Remember to RSVP on Facebook invite and find out the secret password so you can get your 20% OFF!

Join the #ecowed Twitter Party: We’ll be talking #fairtrade holidays with @YourOrganicLife on Wednesday, 12/14 at 7pm Pacific. Hope you Tweeters out there can join us! Please help spread the word with this suggested tweet: Twitter Party! 12/14 7pm PST @gxfairtrade and @YourOrganicLife talk about #fairtrade holidays #ecowed Plz RT

Happy Holidays!

Metalwork Artisan Bernard

The following is the second in a 2-part series written by Global Exchange Fair Trade intern Suzanne Moloney about the metal mining industry and the ways in which artisans are reusing metals and other materials to create completely guilt-free jewelry, accessories and housewares.

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In the early 1950s, blacksmith George Liautand of the Haitian village, Croix-des-Bouquets earned his living carving metal crosses for the local graveyard using primitive methods and tools. The simple beauty of his craftsmanship caught the imagination of American teacher, DeWitt Peters, owner of the Le Centre d’Art, an art centre in Port-au-Prince. Through their partnership, Liautand was able to use the center in order to build upon his skills and begin to create intricate, decorative sculptures from metal.

Taking on a series of apprentices, Liautand has passed his knowledge on to other artists in Haiti, who have in turn trained their own apprentices, transforming the village of Croix-des-Bouquets into a hub of metal artwork where unique sculptures of great beauty are crafted from old oil drums that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill.

To create one of these works of art, the artist begins the process by removing both ends of a 55 gallon oil drum. These are later used to create the smaller, round sculptures. To clean the inside of the oil drum, the artist fills the barrel with dried banana or sugar cane leaves and sets them on fire, removing any remaining impurities. The drum is then cut lengthwise and the artist’s helper climbs inside.

Example of recycled oil drum artwork

The helper uses his whole body to flatten out the drum – pushing it open with his shoulders, back, arms and legs. The metal is then pounded out with a hammer until it is transformed into a 3”x6” canvas from which to craft the sculpture. The pattern is drawn onto the oil drum using chalk and is then cut and molded using primitive tools, including a hammer and chisel. When it is complete, the artist etches his signature into each piece. Bernard Excellent is one such artist.

Born in his parents’ home in Croix-des-Bouquets in 1984, this earnest young man left his formal education and dreams of becoming a lawyer at the schoolhouse steps and took up the hammer and chisel at a young age. Having 9 mouths to feed and a dying husband, it became obvious that Bernard’s mother needed more income besides her own wages as a saleswoman to provide for her family. With that realization, Bernard the artist was born.

“My father was an artist. I started watching him when I was young. He showed me how to do it,” he explains in halting English. “My first job was cutting with Yonel Brutus, Winston Cajuste, and Nicolson Mathieu. Now I work with Evenson Thenor. They help me get contacts and manage my tools.”

The apprentice system is well in place in Croix-des-Bouquets. New artists usually start their process of learning at the beginning, burning out whole 55-gallon oil drums, cutting them down, and pounding the surfaces flat. Gradually, they are introduced to chalking out designs, doing beadwork, and then cutting. Designing and executing one’s own creations is a privilege earned over time and through hard work.

“I like the work of (second generation master) Serge Jolimeau. I work on his style. But my designs are special. I love them. They come from my mind and my soul,” Bernard says. His inspirations come from, “nature and sometimes angels.”

Clearly, his sense of humor finds form as well, as seen in his recent works for Beyond Borders. They include 5 different designs with angels, mermaids, or boys at play, all with sun faces. Each is meticulously crafted, with intricate beading and texture executed throughout each piece.

Bernard takes great pride in his work and sees it’s potential. “I love this art. I want to be a well-known artist, have my big own shop and help other people in my zone.”

Apparently, Bernard’s “Plan B” suits him just fine.

Approximately 70% of Haiti’s 7 million people are unemployed. Artisans who are able to export their artwork to the US under fair labor conditions have the opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty and improve their quality of life.

Global Exchange San Francisco store staff past & present in front of Haitian artwork

Some of our Global Exchange Fair Trade stores carry oil drum artwork. Our San Francisco store has a wide variety of pieces, as you can see in the pic! Visit our stores page for all store locations and contact info.

Every Saturday in the month of July, the Global Exchange Fair Trade Stores in San Francisco (map) and Berkeley (map) are offering 15% OFF savings on featured clothing, scarves, tablecloths & kitchenware, AND much more!

Here’s a look at the Saturday Specials coming up…

Saturday, July 16: 15% OFF Haitian Metal Garden Art

Saturday, July 23: 15% OFF Cotton Tablecloths and Napkin Sets

Saturday, July 30: 15% OFF Aprons, Potholders and Kitchenware

Be sure not to miss a special presentation by Fair Trade Coffee producer, Gilbert Ramirez, from the CoopeAgri cooperative in Costa Rica and FREE Fair Trade Peace Coffee Tasting! Saturday July 23, 1-4pm at the Global Exchange San Francisco Store (map)

Saturday, July 16 Made from recycled 55 gallon oil drums, our Haitian metal garden art is both a tribute to man’s imagination and resourcefulness in the face of dire economic need. Artisans use only a hammer and chisel to cut the sculpture from 4’x6′ pieces of the flattened oil drum. Each piece is hand formed and unique, and can be hung either indoors or outdoors.

Saturday, July 23 Our cotton tablecloths and napkins are handmade in India with natural dyes of pomegranate, indigo, palm sugar, and other materials. A traditional block printing technique is used to make detailed designs that are colorful, tasteful, and compliment many styles of dishware. We carry two sizes – 60″x60″ and 60″x90″ – with cotton napkins to match. The machine washable tablecloths and napkins are long-lasting, so you won’t have to buy any more paper napkins. Great for the environment and your dinner table!

Saturday, July 30 These stylish Aprons (pictured left) are handmade in Ghana at the Sankofa Center for African Dance and Culture, which uses African dance, music, and drama to educate youth and adults about HIV/AIDS. The aprons, which have matching potholders, are made using wax block printing. We also have potholders from Bali and India in traditional and colorful designs.

Also perfect for the summertime table are olivewood serving spoons handmade in Kenya by Fair Trade company Swahili Imports. Fair Trade African serving utensils bring more to the table than function. The unique style of handmade African wood and bone salad servers transforms your dining table into a feast for the eyes. Swahili’s remarkable assortment of Kenyan servers are made from an assortment of materials including, bone, horn and olivewood.

See you Saturdays at the Global Exchange stores in Berkeley and San Francisco!

This Father’s Day, show your Dad that he raised a smart kid with a good heart by giving him a Fair Trade gift! Shop online at the Global Exchange Online Store for everything from recycled bike chain coat hooks to recycled inner tube wallets to heavy-duty steel and brass scissors. Or, come into the Global Exchange Fair Trade Store in San Francisco (map) for these gifts and more – like our huge selection of handmade picture frames! Today through Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19, buy one frame, get the second 50% OFF!

Recycled magazine frames are a great gift for every eco-conscious dad. Made in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, our recycled magazine products are part of a program aimed at helping street children, poor women, and people of ethnic minorities. The 3″x3″ and 4″x6″ frames are made of tightly coiled recycled magazines and candy wrappers; the paper is cut, folded into long strips, and then soaked in glue (pictured above).

Handcrafted in India, these tree of life picture frames can hold 3″x3″, 4″x6″, or 5″x7″ photos and. They are truly unique, each with slight color variations of hand-carved mango wood. Make it a complete set with a matching box!

These striking frames are hand-woven by women of the indigenous Bodo tribe of Assam, India. The artisan cooperative uses 100% cotton scrap fabric, woven on bamboo looms, to create stylish pieces that incorporate traditional Bodo design elements. The 5″x7″ recycled fabric frames come in a variety colors, in both single and double frames.

What better way to show off your treasured memories with Dad than with a one-of-a-kind frame? Stop by San Francisco’s Global Exchange Store to see even more handcrafted frames, and other great fair trade Father’s Day gift items! Remember – this week only – buy one frame, get the second 50% off!

Happy almost Mothers Day! Here’s your roundup of Fair Trade news and updates:

CHECK OUT THE WINNERS OF THE HERSHEY BRAND JAMMING CONTEST
Contest entries mock Hershey’s refusal to crackdown on controversial labor practices.

The Raise the Bar, Hershey Campaign – sponsored by Global Exchange, Green America, and the International Labor Rights Forum – announced on April 28th, 2011 the winners of their “brand jamming” contest in order to bring attention to Hershey’s failure to crack down on child labor and other abuses in its cocoa supply chain.

The grand prize winner is Jason Pearson of San Clemente, CA for his mock advertisement Brand Jam, a one minute video that tells the real story of where Hershey’s cocoa comes from.

Why not watch it right now? It’s pretty awesome:

The announcement of the Hershey “brand jamming” winners coincided with Hershey’s Annual General Meeting for shareholders in Hershey, PA. Thousands of people nationwide voted to choose their favorite entries for best slogan, best video and best poster.

Here are the other winners:
Best Video: Behind the Hershey Smiles submitted by Aaron Thurman: Indianapolis, IN

Best Slogan: “Hershey: Sweet Chocolate. Bitter Story” submitted by Tyson Weems of Portland, ME
Best Poster: Children Behind Bars submitted by Jason Pearson of San Clemente, CA

Find out what the winners received and what the Raise the Bar Hershey campaign folks plan to do with the mock ads on the campaign website.

Oh, and by the way, there’s going to be a Raise the Bar Hershey Rally in NYC’s Times Square on June 8, 2011 at 10:30 am. More details to come.

TAKE A FAIR TRADE COFFEE BREAK ON WORLD FAIR TRADE DAY
World Fair Trade Day coordinating organization Fair Trade Resource Network (FTRN) and sponsors (including us!) are reaching out to inspire 100,000 people to take a break from our busy lives to increase awareness of Fair Trade, by taking a Fair Trade coffee (or chocolate or tea or music, etc) break.
Here are three ways you can participate:

Enjoy a Fair Trade coffee break in the comfort of your own home or office, and register it on Global Exchange’s World Fair Trade Day Coffee Break page, so your participation can be counted.
It’s even more fun if you organize a small or large coffee break in your workplace, school, or community. If you do, register your event on Global Exchange’s World Fair Trade Day Coffee Break page. If it’s open to the public please register on Fair Trade Resource Network’s webpage too.
Attend a World Fair Trade Day event in your area. Dozens of Fair Tradetastic events nationwide are listed on FTRN’s website. Celebrate with Global Exchange at events in Berkeley, Chicago, San Diego, San Francisco, Shirlington, VA, and Washington, DC, listed at the end of this email.

MOTHERS DAY EVENT ON SUNDAY, MAY 8TH IN SAN FRANCISCO
If you’re in the Bay Area this weekend, stop by our San Francisco Store for an in-store event. Fair Trade treats, live music, and a wide selection of Fair Trade gifts made by mothers for mothers. Find out more details here.

CRAFTING CHANGE: A FAIR TRADE TOUR
Hear Peruvian artisans Yody Moran and Sonia Anahue’s compelling stories of their turbulent lives and learn how Fair Trade has helped them achieve economic and social stability.
Get free Fair Trade resources and learn how you can use your purchasing power to impact the world.
When: Wednesday, May 11, 7 pm
Where: Global Exchange, 2973 16th Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA
When: Saturday, May 14, 12:30-2:30pm
Where: Global Exchange Fair Trade store, 2840 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA
Brought to you by: Fair Trade Towns USA, Global Exchange, Green America, Partners for Just Trade
Also: Fair Trade crafts available for sale!
For more information CALL: 415 255 7296

100% FAIR TRADE STORE GOES 100% SOLAR!
How cool is this? Kimberly and Marco of Made By Hand International Cooperative sent out an exciting message earlier this week. The news? That their 100% Fair Trade retail store, Made By Hand International Cooperative located in South Bethany, Delaware, now runs 100% on solar energy! Thanks and congrats Kimberly and Marco for leading by example.

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#FairTuesday, the Official Alternative to Holiday Shopping Madness