simple thoughts: the moment fair trade began to matter to me...

Christmas is over and the shopping has halted. We keep it really simple in our family- drawing names in David's family and making calendars for our parents. We didn't buy gifts for each other and bought a couple small things (a book and a small toy) for the kids... I really didn't have to deal with the madhouse of shopping. I've been enjoying some extra down time- currently the kids are eating popcorn next to me while we watch a movie on Netflix. I've also been able to watch some of the adult movie options on Netflix including one called The True Cost. I didn't watch the trailer- just picked it because it's about fashion and sweatshops. In my ethics class in college I actually argued for sweatshops because I said they offered jobs and people didn't have to work in them if they didn't want to. I took this position in part because someone had to argue the opponent and because it seemed the easiest to get research to defend. At the time the big known offenders were GAP and Walmart. I didn't consider the many other clothing stores that offer cheap clothing. And then my life went on... I didn't worry about the clothes I bought. There have been several times in our marriage when we didn't have money to buy anything other than used. However, when David started picking up moonlighting shifts at the hospital and then began his first "real job" this year our ability to just buy new things when the kids and or David and I need it became quite easy. Typically I am a thrifty shopper- always buying things on sale and wanting good quality so I don't have to buy a lot, but those have been my only standards... until now.

This movie awakened me to all the ways that I contribute to global poverty and toxic chemicals on the environment.

There are lots of questions and concerns and things to consider as consumers. In a time where we are throwing things like crazy and buying many unecessary things we should use some type of system to decide if we should buy something: (this is by no means a form of judgment or expectation- just a guideline)

1. Do I really need this? No? Then walk away. Yes?
2. Can I find it used? yes? then buy used. No?
3. Look for it from a store that sells organic/fair trade items. (See list below for suggestions).
4. Is it impossible to buy the item fair trade? Then try to buy the best quality that will last the longest.

Our world is more connected than ever and as consumers we have a responsibility to know where the things we are buying come from.

In the spring of 2003 I went to Cuba and experienced a new form of poverty and oppression. The trip changed my life- my major in college, my views on the world- it was eye opening. However, I still felt disconnected to the world. However, in spring of 2004 David and I went to see Hotel Rwanda. I don't remember the genocide- or much of history at all.. There's a scene in Hotel Rwanda where Paul is talking to the Colonel and this happens:
(copied directly from wikipedia)

Colonel Oliver: You should spit in my face.

Paul: Excuse me, Colonel?

Colonel Oliver: You’re dirt. We think you’re dirt, Paul.

Paul: Who is we?

Colonel Oliver: The West. All the super powers. Everything you believe in, Paul. They think you’re dirt. They think you’re dumb. You’re worthless.

Paul: I am afraid I don't understand what you are saying.

Colonel Oliver: Oh come on don't bullshit me Paul, you're the smartest man here. You got 'em all eating out of your hands. You could own this frigging hotel, except for one thing. You're black. You're not even a nigger. You're an African. They’re not going to stay, Paul. They’re not going to stop this slaughter.

Paul: [of the Tutsi] You cannot seriously think that you can kill them all.

George: And why not? We are halfway there already.

Paul: How can they not do anything? Don't they care?

Jack: I think that when people turn on their TVs and see this footage, they'll say, "Oh my God, that's horrible," and then they'll go back to eating their dinners.

It was the last line that really challenged me. Once I changed my major to International Studies I became quickly aware of the problems of the world, but I didn't do anything about them. Now that I have seen The True Cost and line it up with the articles I've read over the years it's a moment where I can say, "Oh my God, that's horrible." And go back to eating my dinner... But I don't want to be that person. I want to make a change in our family because I truly believe it matters. And because I've had this new awakening I want to share it because maybe I would've made some changes sooner...

So I invite you to join me on this effort to change the way I spend. I've even found a line of fair trade and affordable hair products at our local Sprouts market. Share what changes you'll make, or have made- let's encourage one another and share resources.

I think one of the biggest lessons as we consider that the true cost of things is much higher than what we are paying- so the sacrifice that is being made isn't in my life, but in the life of the person making my cheap item. And in our family it also means we will have less things, but that's OK with me. The kids certainly do not need more things. I don't need more clothes. I am thankful for this new challenge to change the way I shop!

Enjoy the resources: