Youngsters and Youth Driving Fair Trade Philosophy into US Schools

Vivienne Harr, by age 10, had sold over $100,000 worth of lemonade with the aim of ending child slavery. Vivianne's efforts soon manifested a full-fledged business with Make a Stand Lemon-Aid.  Her business specialized in selling Fair Trade Certified beverages to the masses. During that year, Media Elementary School in Pennsylvania bridged the gap between people harvesting our chocolate and the children who consume it, inviting cocoa farmers from the Kuapa Kokoo cooperative in Ghana to address a school assembly regarding the impact of Fair Trade on their lives and communities.

Both of these stories capitalize on fair trade and youth. Young people, under the age of 20, have greatly impacted the Fair Trade movement.  But, as of yet, there has never really been a platform for them to collectively organize around Fair Trade. All of that changed when Emma Willard High School of Troy, New York opted to go Fair Trade in 2010.  The high school utilized the existing Fair Trade Towns and Universities--now Fair Trade Campaigns--model. Soon after, four other schools followed suit. And from there, the Fair Trade Schools campaign was born in early 2014.

Shopping for a Change offers stunning handmade gifts for women.  Choose from over 175 beautifully crafted products in 11 collections. Our curated collections are stylish and made with you in mind. Our fair trade gifts for women feature products that are superbly crafted by worldwide artisans--mostly women.  Our artisans develop designs which capitalize on their unique heritage, historical artistry and handmade manufacturing skills. Shopping for a Change is the socially conscious way to feel good about your purchase and give back to fair trade artisan communities. Our aim to to bring you the highest quality items to choose from--from jewelry, wraps, scarves, belts and handbags to kitchenware and decorative living accent pieces.

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Fair Trade Established in Missouri, Too

We are glad to report that fair trade products are being represented in nearly all U.S. states through stores established even in more rural areas. Even stores in the rural southeast area of Missouri offer a variety of fair trade organic coffee, hand-crafted clothing, bags, journals, pottery, baskets and a plethora of jewelry. People of the town of Cape Girardeau have commented that having fair trade available online has added culture to the town and is good to help others who are living in poverty. The townspeople who are shopping fair trade feel that they are empowering fair trade artisan communities abroad.

Just in time for summer, Shopping for a Change offers gorgeous, handmade purses and accessories.  Shop our unique collection of handbags and totes along with stunning jewelry, belts and wraps.  Our marketplace showcases items from talented artisans in many Asian, African and South American countries. Rich in ethnic traditions and contemporary styling, all products are manufactured with natural and sustainable materials, including alpaca, cashmere, cotton, and wool.  Look good and feel good about your purchase at Shopping for a Change.

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Tribal Trend in Fair Trade Jewelry

Lianne Ludlow, director of ethical fashion site Fashion-conscience.com, says "Fashion is looking to indigenous tribes for trend inspiration. Every season you see global influences in fashion from Africa to Peru and beyond on the catwalks, and always in jewelry."  Tribal is a trend that celebrities and fashion editors alike have embraced--from Olivia Palermo at Paris Fashion Week to Jessica Alba at the CFDA Fashion Awards 2011--with the result that it' coming to a store near you. "every year the tribal look returns. People now have the confidence to wear large statement pieces which look stunning with the ever changing fashion," says Caroline Rutter, editor of style website of PrettyCool.com. You no longer have to go to Africa to purchase a one-of-a-kind piece of tribal jewelry.

Shopping for a Change offers exclusive, hand-crafted tribal jewelry.  From bracelets to necklaces, add a splash of color to any summer outfit.  Our handcrafted jewelry makes a statement, coupling modern looks with tribal style and artistry. SFAC artisans use recycled and indigenous materials, including brass, copper, sterling silver, reclaimed wood, fabric, paper, glass, grasses, horn, leather, nuts and seeds. Support fair trade with your unique purchase today.

AmazonSmile $5 Bonus Father's Day Promotion

In honor of Dad, shop at AmazonSmile through 6/15/14 and Amazon will donate an extra $5 to Shopping for a Change.

On your first visit to AmazonSmile, you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make on AmazonSmile will result in a donation.

Click here to get started: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/27-1541287