to enter to win an organic fair trade chocolate prize from global exchange, visit the global exchange fair trade online store, read all about their socially responsible products, then tell me in the 'comments' of this giveaway post, "what are your favorite global exchange products + why is fair trade best?" (include your email address or blog link, so i can notify you when you win) before midnight on valentine's day, february 14
fair trade chocolate means it's not produced by the child slave trade chocolate is the most popular treat used as a reward for kids, but most of us don't realize that every time we indulge our children with a chocolate, they could be supporting the enslavement of hundreds of thousands of abused children in west africa. the world's largest cocoa producers, the ivory coast + ghana, have been found guilty by the united nations + us congress of exporting cocoa made by enslaved children, but they're not complying with penalties + mandates to end slavery. slave produced cocoa is in most chocolates worldwide, according to the salvation army's anti-slavery unit. inspiration babytoolkit
I LOVE the fact that this company benefits small family farms. Too many communities and families are losing their farms. Too many products are going commercial. I love that this company really focuses on the small individual farms.
I love all things chocolate (esp. the Art Bars), but I like knowing that a portion of what I pay for it goes to benefit small family/cooperative farms. I also like knowing that no children were exploited in the process.
I love all the cool coffee products that are offered in this site. I have bookmarked it for future use! I'd love to win, so please count me in! Thanks for the opportunity. Have a great Friday!
I loved the Mr. Valentine Doll, he is so homely he's cute. Thank you for introducing this site. I like the fact that no child is exploited to make these products. I always feel guilty for shopping, but not anymore! I am going back there to do my Valentines shopping. Please enter me in your contest.
The SweetHeart Chocolate Trio is so sweet and delicious! Overall, I saw most of their products and I respect the vendor for promoting such a good cause. Many unique and cultural gifts are at the site and they are unique and meaningful just like the Etsy shops that many bloggers have on here. The shop is a great way to learn more about other cultures and what products they can produce by hand.
My favorite Global Exchange product is the recycled messenger bag, because they're eye-catching and their sale helps disabled/disadvantaged women in Cambodia.
I like the crafts because they represent the countries and ensure that those unique crafts/trades which are often particular to a specific region will be preserved and passed on to the next generation. The product that caught my eye in particular is the Capiz & Coco Wind Chimes.
Whoa, chocolate! I'm in. :-) My favorite product was the amethyst flower necklace because one of my favorite colors is purple and the necklace has an elegance about it. Thank you for the chance to win!
That's a lot of chocolate! I'm lovin' it. I'd say that the Silver Filigree Necklace in garnet was my favorite product I saw, the necklace was beautiful and garnet is my birthstone. I can't wait to see who wins this giveaway. tzaddi_sister(at)yahoo(dot)com
One of my favourite products is the Organic Cotton Hoodie, because it looks so cozy and is something I'd use all the time (I'm a student, so although I like the ornaments and housewares they aren't the most practical choices for me right now). Also, all of the consumables - chocolate, tea, and coffee - are appealing (also because they're things I use), and the Beeswax Bodycare Gift Pack would be great for dry winter skin.
I love some of the toys. The worry dolls, the cotton vegetables, and the crocheted friends. Fair trade is best because it helps to improve the economies of poor countries. Thanks.
I love just about everything on the site! The finger puppets are super cute. I also love the square bamboo salad bowl set, it is beautiful. I am so happy that more and more items are available through fair trade, the exploitation of people, especially children, must be stopped! amygay@gmail.com
I always buy Fair Trade coffee, on this website I love Mr. Valentine, he is a cutie. I'm always up for chocolate, especially Fair Trade made. Good for everyone.
You've just given me & my family the best Valentine present ever by publicizing the issues of chocolate slavery and the solution offered in Fair Trade!
I'm a big fan of the fair trade coffee--it's delicious, organic and you get the satisfaction of knowing the farmer received a fair price for it. What's not to love?
I've been shopping for jewelry on Fair Trade for a while now. The Glass Bead earrings are my new favorite. Forums such as this are great for making us aware of the problems that go on outside our limited scope of the world.
Really like the hand stitched quilts and the beautiful capriz and coco windchimes. I volunteer with The Lower East Side Girls Club and the girls have been selling their 3 Blessings organic fair trade chocolate bars with the slogan that it's "Chocolate That's Changing The World!" It's true and I hope more people will become aware of fair trade products.
There are so many amazing things to choose from it's really hard to pick. I have to say I really fell for the Handpainted Tunisian Pottery and the gift baskets would really make some gorgeous gifts. Not only are the products nice with great prices but I am sold on the fact it works to provide low-income artisans and farmers with a living wage for their work around the world.
I love the fair trade jewelry section. I especially love the Sterling Silver & Paua Shell Turtle Earrings.
Fair trade is definately important to the world. I can't stand to think that someone was not given what they deserve for products they've created but yet someone else would be making a fortune off of resale. This is also why when we go to pick out our wedding bands, I will be demanding conflict-free diamonds. I do not want blood diamonds. I don't care if they're $1,000 cheaper.
I love that they carry the Fair Trade sports balls there. They're such a great way to get kids aware of where the products they use come from.
It's time people start to realize that their everyday Walmart low prices don't come via ethical means. Someone always pays. The increasing awareness of fair trade options is one of the best trends of the '00s so far.
like the Beeswax Bodycare Gift Pack, and the Valentines Day Gift baskets. Such lovely products and so important to support a company that is socially aware of the problem such as child labour...way to go modmom for sharing with us this company..I might purchase something. Stephanie stephmd222@hotmail.com
I love the fact that fair trade insist on paying fair local wages! As to what I love at that store? The Organic Cotton Veggie Toys set is so darn cute! :)
What a great store! It is so nice to know that when you buy something from them whoever it is that made it is getting their fare wage. What a great idea--we could definitely use more stores like this one! I also love the Tunisian Pottery--beautiful! spencergirl at gmail dot com
I love the reusable flat ware set! I am tired of eating lunch with plasticware. I love fair trade is it contributes to our world becoming a sustainable one for all.
I *love* Dagoba Hot Chocolate! We buy it pretty frequently.
Fair trade is pretty obviously better as it means those who put their backbone into the products we use are actually being compensated. It improved the living conditions of those involved and also of entire communities(more money goes in, so more money can be spent).
My husband and I always drink fair-trade coffee..and they even carry our favorite brand, Peace Coffee. We choose it because it is organic and because they use ecologically sustainable methods. Something very important in this day in age.
I love the Art Bars -I like that they give exposure to artists and are Fair Trade chocolate. I appreciate Fair Trade because I like knowing that the people who made my goods are getting paid a fair wage for their services and that I'm not putting kids to work to produce my luxury items.
What a fabulous contest. I love many of the kitchen items! Fair Trade is such a great concept. It does away with the awful sweat shop practices! Thanks,Cindi jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
The chocolate has always been my favorite product. I love that it pays a fair wage and doesn't rely on sweeatshop or child labor. frontzfamily at gmail dot com
Fair trade is best because it makes a more humane, more environmentally friendly product.
My favorites are the art bars and the yerba mate book. I keep reading about yerba mate tea -it's the latest buzz word in antioxidants, so I am anxious to try it out.
This is wonderful. Fair trade ensures a "fair" wage to those making the product, and prevents unkind and inhumane working conditions for both adults and children.
These candies look wonderful -- the dark chocolates and the cocoa are my favorite. jeanie jfr9@columbia.edu
Safe and healthy working conditions are important as well! Injury on the job may mean that there would be no way to support your family. I like the wooden choo choo's jbubolz-miller@hotmail.com
I love the fair trade tea sets becauce Fair trade is the best when it comes to benefiting the community where it comes from instead of only the consumers.
Wow! I love the Valentine's gift basket so much I'm ordering one as soon as I'm done with this comment! I love that it's fair trade - meaning the producer actualyl gets paid fairly, as opposed to middlemen..and that it's exploitation free. Bring on the chocolate!
I love the jewelry over at global exchange! The best part is that you know you are getting a handmade, quality product and no lives have been harmed in any way through slavery, unfair wages, child labor, etc. Really makes you think twice about buying mass-produced items from your local big box store. Jill (jillsuz@hotmail.com)
I love the fair trade chocolate the most, being a total chocoholic. After reading Baby Toolkit's post when it came out, I haven't been able to stomach anything other than fair trade chocolate-- my husband and sister stocked me up for Christmas! Child slavery makes me ill-- there's no "pleasure" in this guilty pleasure for me anymore if it's not fair trade...
ooo id love a chocolate gift box assortment. fair trade is best because we enjoy many products but they are not always made in the most humane conditions. by demanding that producers work under better conditions, we can make that a possibility.
I like the silver heart drop earrings. Fair Trade is the only way I can be sure that the people making the products are getting an honest wage if they live in a poor country. I also like knowing that they work in humane conditions.
Th coffee products are my favorite...and I supposrt fair trade because we do need to protect those that can't speak for themsleves...children who are forced to labor so young. stbaisch AT yahoo DOT com
The Eco-Paper Photo Album looks really pretty -- so many of their things are! Fair trade is so important because it supports the quality of life of the people who are actually producing the goods instead of just padding the pockets of wealthy importers.
I haven't tried their products, but on this COLD evening, the Equal Exchange Hot Cocoa sounds good, so I would have to pick that as my current favorite. Fair trade products are great because they are making the choice to make a difference while doing business, so you can feel good about buying their products.
I'd have to say the chocolate is my favorite product, both because I love chocolate and because this has brought to my attention how terrible chocolate production can be. The best thing about fair trade and buying items from companies who run their business with that philosophy is that I'm not supporting those terrible conditions, and that I am supporting ethical business practices.
Thanks for having this giveaway! My email address is almostfey @ gmail.com
I honestly can't find a favorite product - that site is in my bookmarks now!
I love fairtrade products because: a) The products are either beautiful, tasty, or so well done b) They are made by someone who CARES about what they're doing because they do so to support a family or just themselves. I love it!!
yummm... I love chocolate. The darker the better. The Dark minis look great! AND it is great that they are fair trade. If I want kids to make my sweets, i'll make my own kids do it... (just kidding, kind of :) )
Mmmm...dark chocolate minis! All of the dark chocolate looks great but I really like the yo-yo baby dolls. Fair trade is wonderful. It is so important for people to be valued and paid a fair wage. Also, children need to be children!
I don't know that I can pick a favorite product. I like the variety and I am a one stop shop kind of gal, so I can see myself coming here and finding the best gifts for several people on my list (and for myself). The chocolates look yummy and I had no idea the conditions that were going on....
I like the FT criteria, particularly that there is public accountability and healthy and safe working conditions.
I love the idea of the Valentine's Fair Trade Action kits. Fair Trade is best because it supports more eco and human-friendly business practices. A win-win!
As a parent of small children, it's hard to understand why anyone would want to exploit the most helpless among them. Fair Trade not only supports humane practices, but creates awareness of the inhumane culture of slave-labor produced items. This particular company is especially high-minded as their products are shipped using re-used and recycled materials. Chocolate is a wonderful treat, but Fair-Trade chocolate comes truly guilt-free!
I love the Retro Crocheted Friends, especially the monkey! FT is important to me because it means that parents are able to provide for their children by engaging in meaningful work that does not demean or diminish them.
The Jungle Animals Quilt is very beautiful, I like all of the bright colors!
Fair Trade is so important bc any form of slavery is wrong. Taking little children and even adults and forcing them to work in factories that take advantage of them is not cool. I've always believed in following the Golden Rule and that applies to foreign countries that are providing us a service as well.
Fair trade ensures profits get into the hands of the hard-working farmers themselves. I think we'd really enjoy the fair trade coffees they sell! ( meg.wilson@gmail.com )
I love the wonderful gift baskets, and the world music section I love music, I also love the fact that fair trade supports the little man, so to speak.
finger puppets would be perfect for my girls, I think fair trade is great because makes sure that people are paid fairly for the work they do instead of taking advantage of people who are desperate
I really like the jewelry--esp the Garnet & Pearl Necklace & Earrings. And the music, and some of the dolls! I try to buy fair trade to support individual artisans/farms, instead of huge corporations!
WOW! THanks for raising awareness for Fair Trade practices---so much emphasis is on organic, but most of us are unaware of the impact we have when we choose products that use slave labor. I'm looking forward to trying global exhange chocolates! donna (donnasp@pacbell.net)
Thanks for having this wonderful awareness raising giveaway! I love so many of the products at Global Exchange but my favorites are the Square Bamboo Salad Bowl Set, Hemp Messenger Bag and Dagoba ChocoDrops. I think fair trade is great because it insures that the workers are paid globally fair amounts of money for their products and helps provide resources in their communities. It helps reduce child labor and promotes enironmentally better way to produce products. lisalmg (at) ktis (dot) net
I drink fair trade coffee everyday so I would have to say that coffee is my favorite fair trade product. (Only because I have never had fair trade chocolate!) What I like best about fair trade is the fact that everyone is treated fairly. Children are not over worked and farmers are guaranteed minimum wage. This is important to me because I like to think that I am eco-friendly. I want everyone to feel as though what they do matters and that they are paid/treated accordingly!
THANKS for the awesome giveaway! royaldixie@charter.net
I purchase fair trade tea and chocolate because all human beings deserve to be paid a fair price for their products. I strive to be a socially responsible person, and by fair trade is one way to achieve this goal.As a former teacher, I believe in the need to teach social responsibility, dignity, and respect for all people. I taught my students about the ways they could achieve these goals. We learned about fair trade, as well as the importance of supporting local farmers and business owners by purchasing local products and produce from farm co-opts and farmers markets, and local stores.
Thanks for this oppourtunity to share, Taryn Anderson ammona@comcast.net
It's all about the coffee for me! I'm a mom of 11 month old twins and it's important to me that they learn early about treating others with compassion and fairness. For me, this means showing them where the food comes from and who the people are that make it. They don't drink the coffee (it stunts your growth you know :o) but they will come to see that mama buys and uses the best stuff produced by happy people.
My little guy is really enjoying music these days--listening to it and making it. So I've got my eyes on the Peruvian Tinya Drum & Stick and the Guatemalan Maracas. I'm so glad to know there are more and more organizations that are making it their top priority to stop the worldwide slave trade, especially of children. Kids deserve to have a safe and memorable childhood. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Whitney (wakeyes@yahoo.com)
well, the chocolate is the best of course. They had several really beautiful pieces of jewelery too. I really liked their necklaces. I like fair trade because the right people profit off the products.
Since this is all about Chocolate it would seem right to say I am nuts over fair trade chocolate but to be honest I was not aware it was an issue. My bad..I know. But now that I know I am going to make it a point to be more aware of the chocolates I purchase. I am a big believer in only purchasing Fair Trade Coffee and Tea so they have traditionally been my favorite. I don't mind paying a higher price because I know that these people, who work hard to make a living for their families, are not being lost in the "big business" shuffle. To me, buying fair trade also means investing in the environment.
i'm a coffee freak, so the fair trade cuban coffees are my faves. it feels good buying fair trade products, no matter what they are. you know that you aren't contributing to the pain of someone's life when you buy global exchange. thanks for putting my name in the hat!
I love the Mr. Valentine! I have to get that for my hubby. Fair trade is best because in buying the fair trade products we can know that we are not supporting the child slavery that all too often is going on behind the scenes within the chocolate production. We can buy knowing that we are instead supporting good and fair trade.
I love so many of their products. The chocolate sounds fabulous, and their clothes and toys do, too. I love that they're helping support free trade and not slavery and other demoralizing conditions. Thanks and I posted about your giveaways on my site!
The crafts are awesome. Of course I love dark chocolate but it definitely takes the pleasure out of eating it when I know the dreadful circumstances of the children working with it.
I love the divine chocolate teddy bear. A cuddly bear for my daughter and yummy chocolates for me! Its very important to support fair trade on many levels but the fact that children have a childhood is #1 for me.
we love fair trade coffee...our church switched over to use this for all its functions, it is a great way to ensure that the farmers get a fair wage... mom2maria at hotmail dot com
I committed to fair trade toward the end of 2007 after Adrienne blogged about the involvement of child slavery in the chocolate industry. I was shocked and appalled, since chocolate is my primary food group! So for me, fair trade is best because I can have my chocolate without any guilt! I know that there was no child slavery involved, just some farmers who were paid an appropriate amount for the beans. And of course, my favorite Global Exchange products are their chocolates! I think I'll get one of their chocolate lover's baskets for my friend's birthday.
The chocolates and coffees all look good! I'd like to try the Global Giving Coffee from Uganda, because part of the purchase price goes toward education for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.
The hot chocolate packaging is great and I love that they offer a kit on making your own chocolate from scratch. Fair trade will give people a chance to advance in life. I'm just realizing that sometimes the best chocolate prices doesn't always mean the best deal, especially if I look at who's involved in that delicious chocolate process. Thanks for raising MY awareness. Hopefully more people will understand and help make a difference.
In the Netherlands we have a fairtrade anti-slavery chocolate brand called Tony Chocolonely, it's good to hear there's more and more brands becoming fairtrade!
*WOW* I had absolutely *NO* idea that people who work so that we can have something like *chocolate* were being exploited. I'm really stunned. I guess my eyes are open now.
My favorite product on the site is the Yachana Jungle Munch in the Banana Leaf Gift Box. I would explain why but it seems so unimportant now that I've watched the video and looked around the site to learn about what fair trade truly means. Thank you for teaching me something. I sincerely, sincerely mean that.
I am all about the children's books. Reading is so very important and I encourage my girls to read and read to them all the time. It is one of those things I don't deny them if they ask for one in the store. It is hard to find culturally diverse books in the local Wal Mart or Target though. I like to expose my girls to other cultures, their traditions, their food. Trying to give them something outside the box.
This is a really interesting giveaway! I am an avid tea drinker, so I have been hearing about fair-trade more and more lately, because similar working conditions take place in the harvesting of tea. Therefore, I would really be interested in trying some of the different fair-trade teas from this site also! I am glad that there are companies who are committed to the welfare of children & not the exploitation of them. It is so important to give every child a chance to be a kid!
Wow, could that chocolate look more tempting? My favorites: Matahari Sterling Hoop Earrings, Recycled Messenger Bag and, of course, the chocolate! There are a lot of wonderful products available and I love that the fair trade online store allows me to support individuals instead of big box stores. And it is so easy.
Chocolates and the Recycled messenger bag, as well as the Beeswax candles are all favorites of mine.
Fair trade products are the product of socially and economically responsible business practices, and they contribute to the improvement of living conditions for workers in many areas of the world.
I am learning a LOT from your blog! This is such a neat thing! AND I love Chocolate! I always try to buy food that will benefit..I shop at Wholefoods. THis is good to know THank you so vewry much!
My favorite o the Global Exchange are the heart Chandelier earrinmgs! Fair Trade is best because it GIVES back! Buy something you love and HELP the people who made it at the same time.
I love the Hmong textiles and also the Suvyapar Quilts and Pillows.
Fair trade is so important. People deserve a chance to support their families and kids deserve a childhood. Buying fair trade contributes to economic systems that don't take advantage of the work of talented individuals who just want to live a good life.
ok. i hope i can be included even if i don't have a blog! (yet) i have a website though...does that count? ;) (amystanfield.com!) i found the modmom site by chance online, and i'm thrilled- really fabulous info, and lots of things to ponder. when i went to the global exchange site, i was thrilled! i love global products- i've always been influenced by my love of different cultures, and its a pleasure to fiind resources to support people in that way. i know it will be a great resource for me to find things i love in the future. since i am an artist, i can really appreciate and understand how much it means for people to pay you what you're work is worth- its very satisfying, as well as meeting a practical need. we should be purposeful about what we do, especially when we have the opportunity to buy things that support artisans who would otherwise not have the opportunity to make a living. its amazing to me to see some of the beautiful things people come up with- i'm so floored by the skill level and creativity. amazing. so...some of my faves. *i love the silk mod scarf from india- amazing price too. (i have about 20 scarves, but i use them all!) *handpainted tunisian pottery (and teapot)- this gets my blood boiling- so gorgeous, and our kitchen accents are turquoise. *the chocolate assortments gift box- i have to admit...my husband and i are chocolate snobs. we love good chocolate, and are always searching for little shops and different bars from markets or such. this box looks amazing! please excuse my lengthy post...all of this gets me excited!!!
I love: Unique jewelry, so I'm drooling over many of their jewelry items, mostly the Beaded Lariat and the Dragonfly Gemstone earrings.
Why Fair Trade is best: I hate the thought of children (or anyone, for that matter) having to work in a sweatshop...or the thought that my buying habits might go to support such a tragic practice.
My favorite Global Exchange product is the fair trade coffee. I make it a point to buy fair trade! Especially for products like chocolate, which are a luxury and not a necessity. It's important to vote with our dollars to make sure that we aren't contributing more than necessary to unfair work conditions.
My favourite Global Exchange products are the recycled products because not only are they helping the planet, they are so creative also! I love the recycled flip flop doormat, the recycled wallet and recycled plastic bracelets. Fair trade is best because it really gives people a chance to get themselves out of poverty in the fairest way. dizzydaisy2000 at hotmail.com
love the hemp hand bag... and other bags. I've read that many designer bags and designer counterfeits are produced with child labor. Let's MOVE AWAY from that
I love the coffee. I've had it at Whole Foods and it's really good. You just feel like your doing something good by purchasing fair trade products. Good for you and the environment.
POSTED THIS EARLIER... love the hemp hand bag... and other bags. I've read that many designer bags and designer counterfeits are produced with child labor. Let's MOVE AWAY from that
BUT NOW include my email mmwpickme at gmail dot com
I would love those toys for my baby boy, so I can teach him while giving him lasting and beautiful reminders of the importance of caring for all children in need, no matter how far away they are.
I had no idea, literally. I am a great lover of chocolate, but I didn't know that this was going on. I'd love to win chocolate, but even more, I'd like to withdraw my support of Nestle. That's just not right.
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