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Halloween-themed goods are already decorating store windows -- which reminds me it's almost Fair Trade Month! October's the month when chocolate lovers combine Halloween tricks and treats with socio-environmental activism.
Easiest way to combine the two: Get a Fair Trade Trick or Treat Action Kit -- or a Reverse Trick or Treat Kit, if you're feeling more adventurous. My previous post has all the details on these, but to sum up, both kits give you yummy fair trade mini chocolates info cards, and other goodies.
Nonprofit Global Exchange and pioneering fair trade company Equal Exchange are the forces behind the Reverse Trick or Treat campaign -- which is expected to reach more than 200,000 households! Rodney North at Equal Exchange says "Already we have more than enough groups/churches/schools etc have signed up. We probably could have distributed 300k had we had the $ to invest in more cards & mini [chocolates]."
Of course, fair trade chocolates might also be at a store near you. Stop by a Whole Foods or search for a local fair trade-supporting store here.
You can even dress up your fair trade activism by getting your Halloween costume from fair trade companies -- though costumes for adults are admittedly still difficult to find! (via FTF) Surjomukhi has fair trade costumes for kids, ranging from a very cute witch to a grass-fed cow. Would-be Aladdins can get sparkly shoes and turbans from Ramona Enterprises. Plus, traditional Vietnamese masks and garb are available through Asia2You.
Planning to throw a Halloween party? Make it a fair trade one with the help of a downloadable Fair Trade Toolkit, courtesy of a new fair trade action site from TransFair USA, the nonprofit that certifies fair trade products in the US. If your event's open to the public, list it on the site -- or find a fair trade event happening near you. Beth of Everyday Just Living's psyched to've found a Cafe Feminino Coffee Festival happening in her Portland 'hood on Oct. 16.
If you've been a long(er) time fair trade activist, share your story! TransFair wants to showcase your story -- which can range from how you first got involved with fair trade to what successes you've had getting fair trade products into stores near you -- on its website to inspire others. Don't have a story yet? Learn how you can get involved by bringing fair trade products and practices to your business, campus, or other organization.
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BlogHer Contributing Editor Siel also blogs at greenLAgirl.com while drinking fair trade coffee.
