Buying Free Trade Certified: Real Life Inspiration

I know that sometimes the scope of the human rights issues in the world can be overwhelming and it begins to feel like everything you do just makes tiny little dents. BUT, the perspective you have to keep is that these things will change one dent at a time. As a wife and mom with a budget and to-do list, I know that making sure every product you buy is certified fair trade would be wonderful but is just simply not practical for most people. But instead of just throwing up your hands and saying it’s not worth it, why not do what you can? 

Some of our dearest friends in the world are Michael and Ciara. They are a beautiful couple in Maui with two small and perfect children. About a year ago they decided to pick one issue and do what they could to make a difference and build awareness about that one thing. 

Here’s the story in Michael’s words:

” About a year ago i was listening to a podcast and this guy came on and was talking about injustice around the world. I was intrigued so i listened. He talked about slavery, human trafficking, and the like…He said something like, what if your everyday choices could change the world?

…He went on to talk about how most of the world’s chocolate is harvested by slaves on the ivory coast of Africa… this blew my mind. Chocolate is something that is unneeded as for as survival and kids/moms/people are being enslaved so that i can have it. I could not eat it anymore because the thought that a want in my life brought blood to the backs of someone’s kid was detestable. Since this i have not consumed any chocolate that is missing the markings of a fair trade brand (makes sure the “slavery” above is not being used). It has opened up a whole lot of conversations, lots of rebuke, tons of defensiveness and even some “how dare you looks” and comments. I just accept them and tell the story and move on hopefully planting a seed that grows into another catching on, etc.

It blows my mind how a daily decision we make can enslave and/or free someone, somesone’s  son, daughter, mother, father, their fate lies in the hands of what i choose to consume. I pray that my life would never knowingly bring this on another especially for a treat.”

This is not the first or only way that Michael and Ciara have inspired us, but it’s certainly one that stuck. Gary and I have committed to follow in their footsteps…no more chocolate that isn’t fair trade! What can you and your family do? Fair Trade Coffee? Only buy accessories whose proceeds benefit a cause you believe in (there’s definitely enough bags, shoes and jewelery being sold for various causes around the world)? The options are nearly endless, pick one that is do-able for you and your family.

(Mike and Ciara and their little family)