Here in the USA, it is easy to take for granted the coffee, chocolate, sugar, cotton, rubber, and other commodities that we consume every day. The highly labor-intensive process of growing and harvesting from farm fields, traveling across continents, to arrive in grocery stores is largely invisible to us. Too often, the workers who do the physical growing and harvesting are working under harsh conditions for little pay.
There are many people who feel that everyone deserves decent wages and working conditions, regardless of where they live, and these people have created Fair Trade Day. Celebrated every 2nd Saturday in May - this year on May 14, 2016 - the movement seeks to improve the lives of workers and small producers, especially those within developing economies, by asserting their rights and raising their visibility within international trade.
World Fair Trade Organization’s top priorities include:
- Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
- Transparency and Accountability
- Payment of a Fair Price
- Ensuring no Child Labor and Forced Labor
- Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Freedom of Association
- Ensuring Good Working Conditions
- Promoting Fair Trade
- Respect for the Environment
This month, we are highlighting some of the companies which support equitable labor practices.
COFFEE Solar Roast Coffee
"Low and Slow" is the key to good BBQ, but who knew that it works for coffee too! Using the world's only commercial solar roaster, coffee beans are gently roasted at a lower temperature, and coffee takes on a smooth flavor, rich aroma, with low acidity! Perfectly positioned at high elevation in Pueblo, CO, the whole Solar Roast Coffee operation works on solar power. That's good for coffee and the environment! Solar Roast is committed to fair trade; look for the stickers on their packages, and enter the raffle to win a bag - details below.
CHOCOLATE Yes Cacao Botanical Chocolate
If you wish for more tasty ways to include medicinal herbs, mushrooms and super foods into your diet, your wish has been granted with this chocolate delivery system! Made from a special WILD cacao, an heirloom variety of known as Arriba Criollo, it is sourced by a team of 450 wild harvesters throughout Ecuador.
Available in three varieties:
Dirty: Let's say "Grounding" is more accurate description of the herbs which help you launch into your day. Contains Shilajit (for trace minerals, fulvic and humic acid), Tulsi, Reishi & Maca (Peruvian Ginseng)
FLAVOR: Notes of earthy peppermint and sweet fennel.
FLAVOR: Butterscotch, Gingersnap, Pumpkin Spice.
GabaBaba: aka "Meditation" blend with GABA, Kava, Blue Lotus, and Turmeric. GABA is an amino acid produced in our brains, inducing an alert but relaxed state.
FLAVOR: Wildberry notes and subtle Mocha finish.
YesCacao is organic, vegan, gluten free, low glycemic, raw, non-GMO, and soy-free! Grab this functional food for $4.99/bar. What more can you ask for in a healthy chocolate snack?
SUGAR Wholesome!
Why we love this sweet company: Wholesome! has a strong commitment to sustainable Non-GMO agriculture. In adherence with strict organic standards, the organic sugar cane fields are green cut and are not burned or treated with herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. This is better for the environment, which ultimately, is better for everyone. This also creates the highest quality, most delicious-tasting unrefined sugar you can find. No chemicals or animal by-products are used to make or decolorize this sugar making it ideal for vegans.
The Fair Trade Certified logo is Wholesome!’s guarantee that our farming cooperatives are paid directly for the cane they grow and mill. This means that farmers can compete with factory farms, cultivate the quality of their crops, send their kids to school and build thriving communities. Watch this video of a Paraguayan farmers who shares the impact Fair Trade has had on his life and community.
-----> Save 15% on select Wholesome Sweeteners through May 15.
Speaking of sweet, for more delicious Fair Trade goodness, try Cisse Dark Chocolate Cake Mix and Muffin Mix. Both of these use certified fair trade, organic cocoa and cane sugar in the mix.
-----> Save 20% on Cisse Dark Chocolate Baking Mixes in May.
COCONUT OIL Dr. Bronner's
In the last few years, it seems people have been nutty for coconuts, especially the super-versatile coconut oil. This trend has been steady for the past few years, so you might expect that the coconut farmers would be enjoying a great income. In reality, it is often the exact opposite. Here are some of the main challenges coconut farmers face according to FairTradeUSA:
- Extreme poverty: Coconut farmers are among the poorest of the poor in countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, which threatens the sustainability of coconut farming as a livelihood.
- Unfavorable and variable prices: An average single-serving coconut water from a leading brand sells for around $1.50 in the United States, yet farmers receive about $0.11-0.20 per nut. Given that they farm small plots of land, coconut farmers and farm workers average about one dollar a day throughout the year.
- Low yields and productivity: Particularly as coconut trees age, their inefficiency makes the cost of maintaining and harvesting coconuts extremely high.
- Mono-crop farming: Coconut is mainly grown as a mono-crop, which fosters an environment of low crop diversity that can be detrimental to the environment and risky for the farmer.
You can read more about Dr. Bronner's passion for fair trade and why you should choose these products.
-----> SAVE 15% on any size Dr. Bronner's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil in May.
RUBBER Gurus Sandals
Finally, some fashion-forward, eco-friendly footwear that gives modern functionality to a classic Indian form!
Every detail has been thought out to ensure a super-sustainable and foot-friendly product. The thick sole is made primarily from soft, durable, sustainably-harvested natural rubber, that molds to the contours of your feet over time. No need to scrunch your toes to keep it on, the unique plug that goes between the two big toes holds the sandal to your foot comfortably, and the ankle strap is adjusted by twisting at the plugs at the bottom of the shoe.
Gurus takes care to be responsible to their workers as well as the environment. From a Gurus Rep: "All of our rubber comes from sustainable farms in India and throughout Asia where employees are paid a fair wage. In fact in at some of our larger suppliers, not only are workers and their families provided with housing, their children are given stipends for education. At our manufacturer in China, all of our workers are paid an above average wage, provided with on site housing if desired and meals every day."
Gurus takes care to be responsible to their workers as well as the environment. From a Gurus Rep: "All of our rubber comes from sustainable farms in India and throughout Asia where employees are paid a fair wage. In fact in at some of our larger suppliers, not only are workers and their families provided with housing, their children are given stipends for education. At our manufacturer in China, all of our workers are paid an above average wage, provided with on site housing if desired and meals every day."
Buy a pair and plant a tree. Partnered with Trees for the Future, each purchase of Gurus means a tree will be planted in the developing world. When you buy your Gurus from us, you will also receive a free jute carry bag to hold the sandals, which uses fewer resources and hazardous materials than cotton. Even the thick hanger tag can be re-purposed as a coaster! As an added bonus, get a simple tree bracelet/anklet while supplies last, as a reminder of your contribution to a greener earth. All for just $29.99!
While you are showing off your fancy footwear, add a toe ring or two for some sparkle! We offer custom-fitted toe rings in a variety of classic styles. Come in for your fitting between 10am-6pm so we can best serve you.
COTTON Maggie's Organics
While their company packaging doesn't bear any Fair Trade Logo, they have exceeded standards when it comes to their supply chain. They have worked to transition farmers to growing organic cotton. They contract directly with farmers, and pay them a deposit ($400 per every 1000 lbs) the month before they plant. This deposit covers the cost of their seeds and planting costs, and allows them to share the risk with Maggie's if the crop fails.
They minimize their carbon footprint by making ALL of EVERY Maggie’s product in the Americas, and over 65% of our products in the U.S.A. Limiting their carbon footprint to 1500 miles, instead of 5300 miles.
Maggie's receives an A+, the highest rating of 300 apparel brands, in an independent study funded by the Department of State which ranks labor conditions. They also have other 3rd party verification on all of their organic and real fair trade operations.
Here at HH4L, we have carried Maggie's Organic apparel practically since the store began, and take certain hometown pride that they are based in Ann Arbor, MI!
-----> Save 15% on any Maggie's Apparel (socks, leggings, hats) through May 15th.
GIFT BASKET GIVEAWAY!
While you are shopping, enter in our drawing for the Fair Trade Gift Basket featuring select FT items including Solar Roast Coffee, Yes Cacao bars, Alter Eco chocolate, Wholesome Raw Agave Nectar, and more! We will be drawing the winner Monday, May 16th.
Fine Print: No purchase necessary. One entry per person per day. Must enter valid email address. Winner must pick up the basket within 2 weeks of notification or will forfeit prize. May be shipped at winner's expense.
MAY is HEALTHY VISION MONTH!
Often, what is good for your eyes is also beneficial for other body systems. Likewise, bad habits can put your eyes at risk. Being overweight, having diabetes or high blood pressure, long periods of "screen time" on the computer, TV, or phone are all detrimental to eye health. Keep your peepers in prime shape with a few of these herbs and nutraceuticals.
Bilberry - Have trouble with night vision? Are you very sensitive to light? As the story goes, British WW2 fighter pilots were fed bilberry jam and reported improved night vision. What is for sure is that Bilberries contain anthocyanosides, an antioxidant that appears to help protect the retina. Bilberry has also exhibited protective effects against macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts. Nature's Plus Time Release Bilberry is just 21.49.
Eyebright - Eyebright has a host of beneficial compounds such as Vitamins A,C,E and zinc, plus B complex. It contains tannins that have astringent properties to help dry up secretions of mucous membranes - useful for allergy-induced watery eyes and for shrinking inflamed tissues associated with conjunctivitis. Compounds like caffeic acid and aucubin act as an antiseptic for bacterial eye infections or styes. Nature's Sunshine Eyebright is just $28.49.
Skullcap - Our HH4L founder, Pam, recently shared a personal experience with Skullcap. When her optometrist found she was at risk for glaucoma, having eye pressure readings at about 25-26 mm Hg, she began to take skullcap. Six months later, her pressure readings were down to 18, well within normal range! Aside from personal anecdote, there is hard science to support skullcap's efficacy for treating glaucoma. Pam is thrilled to have been able to manage this problem without having to be on a pharmaceutical prescription, and risk significant long-term side effects. Skullcap is very affordable at only $10.49 from Nature's Way.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin - These compounds are in the caretenoid family of antioxidants. Yellowish in color, these nutrients increase the density of macular pigment, which increases the macula's ability to resist damaging sunlight rays. These are a key components of Vision Essence, a blend by Pure Essence Labs which combines these, Vinpocetine (from periwinkle plant) to increase blood flow to eye capillaries, Black Currant, Vitamin C, and Quercetin to support healthy vision. This synergistic blend is available for $38.99. Lutein, available from Nature's Plus, sells for $28.99.
WELLNESS CENTER
Probiotics Class
Suzan Moody
Thurs May 12
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Getting ready for swim season? Have you thought about using probiotics to help melt off belly fat?
In this FREE class you will discover:
- Why slim and athletic people need probiotics
- Why probiotic diversity reduces fat
- Making it easy with probiotic basics
- Which probiotics strains are vitally important to losing weight and to be healthy
- What to eat to support probiotic flora
Young Living Essential Oils Classes
with Marie Koch
Tuesdays 6-7pm
Marie will be leading classes on the many uses and health benefits of essential oils in our Wellness Center. Classes are only an hour long, and cost regularly $5* per class.
You'll be amazed at how high quality oils can have so many uses!
*First time visitors and YL Distributors under HH4L attend FREE
Bring a Friend for a free gift for a limited time!
May 3 30 Day Metal Fast/Intro to Oils
May 10 Blends & Their Power
May 17 Offsite event - Yummy Summer Foods. RSVP to Julie Vanderkuur 810-625-9826.
May 24 NO CLASS
May 31 How to travel with Oils
CALENDAR
May 3 Young Living Essential Oils (YLEO) Class
May 8 Mother's Day
May 10 20% OFF TUESDAY
May 10 YLEO Class
May 11 Adelpha Thermography
May 12 Probiotics Class
May 14 FAIR TRADE DAY
May 30 Memorial Day
May 31 YLEO Class
