Globally Minded
Fair Trade = Globally Minded Ethical Sourcing
11 December 2007 05:23 AM
By Kat Vaughan
It was not until 1997 that I understood the difference between "free trade" and "fair trade". Don't confuse the two; they are radically different. When I first came to Guatemala and saw the gorgeous textiles and quality handcrafts, my capitalistic and opportunistic mentality kicked in. The low prices combined with my "gringa" bargaining power were intoxicating: I saw huge margins and profits. Taking care of the economic rights of the poor were shamefully far from me. However, soon the narcissistic infatuation with bargaining dissipated as I became more aware of the plight of the Guatemalan poor and the gross injustices committed against the Guatemalan artisans. Like many artisans in emerging markets, Guatemalan artisans are continuously oppressed by the incessant price negotiation and pushiness of greedy, capitalistic buyers. There is often no concern for the poor as self-absorbed buyers demand a cheaper and cheaper price.
Free trade promotes economic growth, often at the expense of the poor. Fair trade, on the other hand, promotes economic growth, empowering the poor through transparent and just trading relationships. Supporting and buying fair trade products really does improve the lives of artisans and farmers. Fair trade is the only ethical form of sourcing for globally minded, socially conscious buyers and consumers.
Globally Minded works with artisans in Guatemala to design and produce beautiful, fair trade, eco-friendly, handmade necklaces, bracelets and brooches. Buy our fair trade jewelry on Amazon for your loved one and save 10% until the end of 2007. Free Super Saver Shipping also available. We support artisans and children with every purchase. We give a portion of our profits to Globally Minded Works, to support education in Guatemala.
Start shopping for fair trade jewelry now and remember: buy fair and be globally minded all the time.
It was not until 1997 that I understood the difference between "free trade" and "fair trade". Don't confuse the two; they are radically different. When I first came to Guatemala and saw the gorgeous textiles and quality handcrafts, my capitalistic and opportunistic mentality kicked in. The low prices combined with my "gringa" bargaining power were intoxicating: I saw huge margins and profits. Taking care of the economic rights of the poor were shamefully far from me. However, soon the narcissistic infatuation with bargaining dissipated as I became more aware of the plight of the Guatemalan poor and the gross injustices committed against the Guatemalan artisans. Like many artisans in emerging markets, Guatemalan artisans are continuously oppressed by the incessant price negotiation and pushiness of greedy, capitalistic buyers. There is often no concern for the poor as self-absorbed buyers demand a cheaper and cheaper price.
Free trade promotes economic growth, often at the expense of the poor. Fair trade, on the other hand, promotes economic growth, empowering the poor through transparent and just trading relationships. Supporting and buying fair trade products really does improve the lives of artisans and farmers. Fair trade is the only ethical form of sourcing for globally minded, socially conscious buyers and consumers.
Globally Minded works with artisans in Guatemala to design and produce beautiful, fair trade, eco-friendly, handmade necklaces, bracelets and brooches. Buy our fair trade jewelry on Amazon for your loved one and save 10% until the end of 2007. Free Super Saver Shipping also available. We support artisans and children with every purchase. We give a portion of our profits to Globally Minded Works, to support education in Guatemala.
Start shopping for fair trade jewelry now and remember: buy fair and be globally minded all the time.
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Globally Minded Jewelry on Sale at Amazon
06 December 2007 12:00 PM
By Kat Vaughan
Save 10% when you buy our Globally Minded jewelry on Amazon (thru 12/31/2007). Also, save even more money through FREE Super Saver Shipping! We give 15% of our profits to Globally Minded Works to support the education of children in Guatemala. Thanks in advance for buying Globally Minded fair trade jewelry. Happy shopping!
Save 10% when you buy our Globally Minded jewelry on Amazon (thru 12/31/2007). Also, save even more money through FREE Super Saver Shipping! We give 15% of our profits to Globally Minded Works to support the education of children in Guatemala. Thanks in advance for buying Globally Minded fair trade jewelry. Happy shopping!