Fair Trade Month – And A Fair Trade Gift Box Giveaway

Fair Trade Giveaway

Fair trade is the idea of marketing products with a primary goal of improving the lives of the those who grow (and sometimes process) the raw materials. I knew that it involved paying ethical, above-market prices for the food, instead of pressuring poor communities to produce food as cheaply as possible. Β I didn’t realize the it also includes a commitment of community development funds that the farmers can use for environmental protection, health care, or women’s empowerment among other great things.

Fair Trade USA, one of the major fair trade certification organizations, is sponsoring Fair Trade Month in October. Their slogan is “Every Purchase Matters”, which I think is a great thing to keep in mind. Anytime we buy something, we have an opportunity to make the world a little bit better – whether it is a fair trade purchase, buying from a local shop, or hitting the farmer’s market for organic bok choy.

To celebrate Fair Trade Month, Fair Trade USA is giving away the lovely gift box you see above to one Herbivoracious reader. It includes Madhava agave nectar, Near East Quinoa, Three Twins Ice Cream, and chocolate from TCHO among other goodies.

To enter, just sign up for my email list using the form below. If you are already on the email list, you can enter by leaving a comment on this blog post. Enter by 11:59 PM EST on Sunday 10/7/12, and I’ll announce the winner the following day. I’ll contact the winner by email to arrange delivery of the prize. The contest is over, and the winner is Melinda. Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who participated!

120 Replies to “Fair Trade Month – And A Fair Trade Gift Box Giveaway”

  1. Thank you for the link! I try to buy fair trade or rainforest alliance certified products, so the Fair Trade USA website is a great resource for me.

  2. I agree, free trade is important. I lived in Ecuador for a while, had friends that grew coffee. It’s REALLY hard work. The average worker got three dollars a day. It would be nice if free trade was a reality everywhere. And it would be nice if I won the giveaway. πŸ™‚

  3. Thanks for highlighting Fair Trade month. Supporting companies who take action to ensure fair, safe, and equitable working environments for employees and suppliers is critical. Already a newsletter subscriber, but would love to win this fabulous giveaway.

  4. Already on the list and really glad you’re supporting Fair Trade month. I lived in Sierra Leone for some time, near coffee farms that were not covered under fair trade agreements. The wages were often under a dollar a day. I now try to set aside the extra dollar or two it costs to upgrade my chocolate and coffee to fair trade.

  5. I love how the package includes chocolate, chocolate, QUINOA, chocolate, chocolate. Because that whole grain automatically makes the whole thing super-healthy, just by osmosis!

  6. On your list but thanks for posting about this issue. It’s a relief to see so many products we already purchase on this list.

  7. Hi Michael, thanks for this post. I am always on a look out for Fair Trade Certified product, which is not easy in our neck of the woods. I am glad to see all the products from my pantry on the photo (except ice cream).

  8. I absolutely love your blog, your videos and recipes. I look forward to every new post. I have your book and so far it has not failed me. Good luck with your new recipe development. I look forward to trying them all.

  9. Never was a vegetarian but when I moved to Seattle a few months ago, I’ve noticed my eating habits have changed significantly while trying all the recipe ideas since i signed up for the email newsletters. Thanks for all the great ideas and resources for healthy, local, and fair trade foods.

  10. Already on the email list! Thanks for all your deliciously nutritious ideas! I would love to try some of that quinoa and chocolate!

  11. What a great way to support the folks that produce our food πŸ™‚ (already on the list and love the recipes, thanks much!)

  12. I would love to be entered, as well I am already on the email list. Thank you for changing my cooking habits.

  13. I’m already on the list, and I applaud your support of Fair Trade. I once spent time with Caribbean coffee farmers, and it was shocking to learn about how market pressures and exploitative lending practices worked to keep them from ever getting ahead (until they formed a cooperative and learned to work together to benefit their communities).

  14. I am already on your email list and thanks! I love the fair trade giveaway idea as it exposes more readers to the concept and of course, I too would like to win. Fair trade is great and anything that we can do to support it if even a small step is a positive to change the way we grow, trade and eat.

    Thanks for sharing.

  15. I’m already on the email list and this basket looks awesome! I’m glad to see Rishi tea in the gift basket. They are a local company here in Milwaukee and they make wonderful teas.

  16. I’m already on the list but fear if I’m the lucky
    winner the ice cream will have melted by the time
    it would get to London!!
    πŸ˜‰

  17. That picture looks amazing! Count me in! Love all your recipes… trying out the coconut rice with black beans tonight.

  18. Have been on your mailing list for a long time. Enjoy reading the wealth of info you share with me and the other readers. Keep up the good work, you are a blessing and help to many!

  19. I am a HUGE fan of fair trade products, from food all the way to clothing, bags etc. The more awareness that everyone can pass on, the more the world will understand the importance of Fair Trade. By the way, this basket looks amazing!

  20. Thanks for wonderful recipes. I’m already on the e-mail list and would love to win – as would all of us !!

  21. I’m already on your lovely e-mail list. Lurve your blog and hope to buy your cookbook soon! Slowly changing my eating habits towards plant based foods only. Very exciting. My blood sugars are already changing fantastically (I’m a Type 2 Diabetic) AND I’ve already lost 6 pounds in the last 10 days. AWESOME! πŸ™‚ <3

  22. I really enjoy your blog, and I love your recipes! My online explorations for improving my son’s health have led me to many great blogs and organic products. Thanks for your help!

  23. I love your products and I would just be filled with so much glee and joy over winning this gift basket! I would use every ingredient and feature them on my healthy/veggie blog πŸ˜€ I can’t believe someone is going to be lucky enough to win this!! I just really hope it’s me!! (no offense guys! lol)

    Veggies & <3,
    L0 & Behold

  24. I love that society is waking up to the ethics and morality of being a consumer. Who you give your money to is an important message of support. We need to decide not only on the product, but how the company operates; whether they treat people with equality and kindness, are they supportive or harmful to the environment, and whenever we can boycott the bad and buy from the good.

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