Festival of Fair Trade
November 4, 2008 
3 Comments
Why has familiarity with “Buy Organic” outpaced the concept of “Buy Fair Trade” in the minds of the average consumer? Maybe it’s because organics have been swept up in the current of American’s personal health craze, while the benefits of Fair Trade seem more remote and altruistic. Regardless, the more time you take to learn about the principles of Fair Trade, the more likely you are to seek out such products.
Nepalese women using a traditional weaving tool.
Spokane is fortunate to have a growing network of locally owned Fair Trade vendors. For the past 20 years they’ve hosted an annual event where holiday shoppers can buy high quality gifts in good conscience. This year’s Festival of Fair Trade will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Fri-Sun, Nov 28th, 29, and 30th from 10am-6pm in the Community Building at 35 W. Main.
Participating vendors with websites:
- Ganesh Himal Trading – Nepal
- Singing Shaman Traders – Mexico
- Kizuri Spokane – Global
- Moonflower Enterprises – Guatemala
- ConoSur Imports – Chile
In addition to the countries listed above, Thailand, Peru, Vietnam and others will be represented, along with some select items made right here in Spokane. Local artisan Zena Moon will have soaps and candles available, such as her Obama ’08 limited edition run available through the inauguration. Other products include hats, purses and scarves made out of banana fiber and recycled materials, and a variety of bags, wallets, blankets and home decor.
When asked to summarize the spirit of Fair Trade, Ganesh Himal‘s Sarah Calvin said “Fair trade is based on relationships that are beneficial to all involved”. One of our favorite things about Fair Trade is that each item comes with a story that draws attention to the context in which it was produced. Just imagine if everything we bought at Ross or WalMart came with a similar depiction of its origin. Tales of sweat shops and rapid industrialization would abound. Would our habits stay the same? Something to think about as we shop around.
For more festival information, please call 509-464-7677.
About the Author
I agree that people are more familiar with “Buy Organic” because of a personal health craze. What worries me about it, or angers me, is that as a market developed for such products we began to see organic on labels everywhere when the products themselves couldn’t be further from the real thing. There is no regulation against using the word organic on your genetically modified “wild” rice. I’m aware of the certified stamps of approval, but that doesn’t prevent the use of the word as a marketing tool. We see the word organic and instantly assume, “Oh, this is good for me.” Well that may or may not be the case. But because we want what is good for us, and organics have developed a market with a pretty solid growth we are very familiar it. People are more likely purchase things that they believe to be good for them, rather than buying something they feel is good for everyone. I wonder if fair trade got more of hold in the marketplace would it be raped by advertising and false promotion? Could we buy some product at a “fair trade store” and with a prepackaged background story? Anyways, I guess what I’m saying is when you are trying to buy organic make sure that’s what you are getting. Oh, and the festival of fair trade will be sweet!
Check out your shout out here:
http://www.downtoearthnw.com/blogs/down-earth/2008/nov/06/spovangelist-spreading-good-word-city/
Also, the Jubilee International Market will be this coming weekend (14-15th) at First Presbyterian Church.
Jubilee is celebrating their 20th year of fair trade in Spokane:
http://www.spokanefpc.org/CityConnections/JubileeInternationalMarketplace/tabid/2417/Default.aspx