As the world’s second most valued trading commodity, after oil, coffee
is a prime example of how "Free Trade" is increasing the gap
between the rich and the poor. While Proctor and Gamble, Sara Lee, Nestle
and Kraft–and their junior partners such as Starbucks–are making super
profits, buying up most of the world’s coffee beans at some of the lowest
prices in history, 25 million coffee farmers and their families in 50
countries are living in desperate poverty. Reponding to this crisis,
socially conscious consumers are voting with their pocketbooks against
the global coffee cartel by purchasing organic and Fair Trade coffee,
which guarantees the coffee farmer is paid a living wage. Not only is
Fair Trade coffee experiencing a boom in its 18,000 retail outlets in
the U.S., it’s also catching on at institutions like churches, schools
and even hospitals. Saint Louise Regional Hospital in California recently
converted all of their coffee to Fair Trade, demonstrating that with
a little consumer consideration, social responsibility can be found
just about anywhere…even in a cup of java. Read
more…