A Better Option for the Impoverished Farmer
The fair trade movement has grown exponentially in recent years thanks to large corporate partnerships and more global awareness. It’s arguably made a difference for many tradespeople on whom wealthy countries depend. But it’s not the only option out there if you’re interested in ethical consumerism – there are alternatives to fair trade that can … Continue reading
Victoria’s Secret and the Fairness of Fair Trade
If there’s anything in this world that grosses me out, it’s slavery and the word “panties.” Maybe that’s why I’ve avoided discussing the recent news that a Fairtrade-certified cotton distributor allegedly sold products tainted with forced child labor to the lingerie retailer Victoria’s Secret. (Oh yeah, I also hate the word “tainted.”) No one has … Continue reading
Good News Friday!
This week, good news comes from people whose names start with J. Thanks for these great recommendations, Jess, James and Justin. People whose names start with J are the very, very best. They also share in common a multimedia theme, proving that J’s are technologically savvy and forward thinking. I love J’s. How to Help … Continue reading
Let Africa’s Children Be Your Valentine
Valentine’s Day is coming up, and to celebrate it slave-free, you might want to plan ahead. Here are a few ways to support the abolitionist movement this February: Get Hershey to do the right thing. This year a lot of anti-trafficking organizations are fighting the chocolate industry by focusing their attention on Hershey. Hershey continues … Continue reading
Banana-Lover Options
If you’ve been following along this week, you’re probably wondering what, if any, options there are for eating bananas without feeling like a jerk or worse. Like certain other activities, the only safe option might be abstinence. A potato has the same calories as a banana and is easier to grow. Consider potato pudding, potato … Continue reading
Going Bananas Over Land Ownership
In order to grow a lot of bananas, companies need a lot of land. Their methods of attaining said land vary, but inevitably it is impossible to have a large banana plantation and a local community of land owners. Sometimes the companies build entire villages for the purpose of growing bananas. As it is on … Continue reading
Cancer Come and Me Wan’ Go Home
Bananas in the Store – by Steve Hopson, http://www.stevehopson.com In the last few decades, a large number of workers have migrated toward the banana plantations. That’s right, toward them. Even though the industry is corrupt and life is hard on a banana farm, many migrants feel any check is better than no check, and bananas … Continue reading
Come, Mister Tally Man
A few years ago, I was walking through the fruit section of my local co-op. I was in upstate New York, so it was no surprise that to my left I saw apples and berries. But set out on a little table in the middle I also saw some bananas, hailed as local grub from … Continue reading
The Power of Locavores to Stop Slavery
CSA Week 11 – from thebittenword.com Each year, as many as 5% of farm workers are forced laborers. These are not slave-like conditions – this number refers to actual slavery, in which the worker is not allowed to leave. It does not include the many severe abuses carried out against normal farm workers in America … Continue reading
How Agricultural Slavery Works in the United States
Ansel Adams – Manzanar farm workers and Mt. Williamson, 1943 The continued existence of agricultural slavery might be hard to believe, but exist it does, and at a widespread levels across the globe. What might be even more surprising, especially to American consumers, is the prevalence of slavery on farms across the United States. CIW … Continue reading
