Etica Wine

“Drink like you give a damn”

Etica distributes the finest wines from farmers in South Africa, Chile and Argentina, paying them honest, livable wages. These wines (from the only fair trade certified wine producing countries) are sold to restaurants and stores through out the United States, making fair trade wine selections easy for any wine lover.

In addition to caring for people, Etica Fair Trade Wine is environmentally responsible as well. Be sure to check out more about their Green Policy and scholarship program.

Find a list of wines on their website or at a location near you.

Want to impress your friends with words like "barrel" and "bouquet"? Get the 101 on wine at Etica!

Etica is a proud vendor of Fair Trade the White House.

Autonomie Project, Inc.

Always vegan. Always eco-friendly. Always sweatshop-free.

Autonomie Project (AP) is a new Fair Trade fashion company offering stylish sweatshop-free & eco-friendly footwear, clothing and accessories. Born out of frustration that most sweatshop-free clothing was unfashionable and most eco-friendly clothing was likely made in a sweatshop (and that most major corporations lack any kind of true transparency), a few good friends set off to start a new and different company.

Their mission: to supply high-quality, stylish garments to consumers that seek to make purchases that align with their values without having to sacrifice their own personal style, all while making a positive social impact on their earth and raising awareness about today’s most pressing global issues.

AP use organic cotton, all natural FSC rubber, and other eco-friendly & locally-sourced materials whenever possible to lessen their environmental impact. They never use animal products and encourage cruelty-free purchases. AP assists their workers with the development and marketing of their products so that they may prosper and become thriving participants in a reconfigured global marketplace.

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Fair For Life

Fair for Life (IMO) is a brand neutral third party certification program for social accountability and fair trade in agricultural, manufacturing and trading operations, and complements existing fair trade certification systems. The IMO Social & Fair Trade Certification Program offers operators of socially responsible projects a solution for objective inspection and certification by a highly qualified external verifier. It combines strict social and fair trade standards with adaptability to local conditions. Their system is designed for both food and non food commodities (cosmetics, textiles etc.).

IMO Social & FairTrade Certification guarantees that human rights are guaranteed at any stage of production, that workers enjoy good and fair working conditions and that smallholder farmers receive a fair share. Fair trade improves the livelihood of thousands of smallholder farmers and workers by providing the means for social community projects and empowerment of people.

Fair For Life's products include Fair Trade the White House members' Dr. Bronners Magic Soaps and Canaan Fair Trade. For an extensive list of partners, visit their website!

unfi

Consistent. Dependable. Honest

United Natural Foods is the leading independent distributor in the United States for natural goods. They distribute natural foods, specialty goods and body care products to twelve distributing centers in the Eastern and Western regions. In addition to their “green” values, UNFI distributes many Fair Trade Certified products, including Fair Trade the White House partners, Choice Organic Tea , Dr. Bronner’s, Wholesome Sweeteners and many more.

Leading distributors like UNFI help increase the availability of fair trade products in your favorite stores.

They also support Fair Trade the White House for a greater effort towards a fair trade America!

Albert’s Organics

Albert’s Organics has been a pioneer in the organic fresh foods industry since opening their doors in 1982. They have grown to become America’s largest, most knowledgeable organic fresh foods specialist. Albert’s Organics buying centers create long-standing, mutually supportive relationships with organic farmers and food artisans locally, regionally, and globally. They offer a wide array of Fair Trade Certified fruits, from blueberries to mangoes to bananas.

Congrats to Albert’s Organics for the opening of their eighth distributing center in September 2009, which will further expand fair trade distribution!

Albert’s Organics will be providing Fair Trade Certified fruit to The First Lady.

Thanksgiving Coffee

Does your morning start with a cup of coffee? Polls from various sources indicate that over 50% of adult Americans consume a minimum of one cup everyday. You don't have to stop and think too long to realize that that's a lot of coffee!

Thanksgiving Coffee, a family run business since 1972, understands not only how important quality coffee is, they understand the problems that harvesting coffee can cause, which is why they focus their business on sustainability, both for the environment and for the laborer. Thanksgiving Coffee partnered with Trees for the Future to insure that the land their growers work with is replenished regularly. They've also partnered with 7 small family-run farms throughout Africa and South America, which produce quality blends, each with its own unique aroma and flavor. Certification by TransFair USA insures that these laborers are earning a sustainable wage for their craft. Remember, it's not just a cup, it's a just cup.

Thanksgiving Coffee is honored to include their Fair Trade coffee for the White House outreach!

Follow their blog and shop on-line!

Jackie DeCarlo

Jackie DeCarlo is an author, educator and activist for fair trade and the effects of responsible consumerism. Her extensive travels have shown her first hand how producers need and benefit from a fair trading system and how consumers too benefit from responsible shopping habits. Her book, “Fair Trade: A Beginner’s Guide,” is a great read for any American who shops, which is everyone! Jackie empowers consumers (or “traders” as she eloquently calls us) to "reclaim the American dream...”



Many of Jackie's early ideas and ideals about trading responsibly were shaped by a group called
Center for a New American Dream and from the New Road Map Foundation. Jackie's introduction to Fair Trade came while on a faith-based delegation to Chiapas, Mexico about a decade ago, and as a Quaker she finds Fair Trade an effective, intriguing and fun way to frame her economic decisions. As a D.C. resident, she's especially pleased to have a way to engage with her neighbors in the White House on an issue of economic justice.

Follow Jackie's blog and find her on Facebook!

Canaan Fair Trade

A favorite of Fair Trade the White House is Canaan Fair Trade. Not only do they harvest and supply quality, organic edibles, they employ marginalized Palestinian laborers caught in conflict to earn sustainable wages. Based in Jenin, Palestine, Canaan Fair Trade sells olive oil and other delicacies produced by over 1,700 small farmers organized in informal cooperatives and represented by the Palestine Fair Trade Association (PFTA). They supply bulk as well as finished and packaged olive oil and other goods to Europe, North America and the Middle East.

From Olive Oil to Wild Thyme to Couscous to an assortment of Whole Olives, Canaan Fair Trade is the label to look for. Available in many retail outlets.

Canaan Fair Trade is a member of the Palestinian Fair Trade Association, Fair Trade Federation and Fair Trade the White House. They are certified by USDA Organic and Fair For Life (IMO)

B.la

Introducing Sierra Madre’s tiniest treasure trove, B.la (pronounced bee-luh), nestled in the "Village of the Foothills" in Southern California. This little gift and novelty store is not much bigger than a closet, but has a little bit of everything. Inspired by her love of shopping, store owner, Deb Doumitt opened B.la in December of 2007. Deb’s own habit for shopping and a background as a stylist for commercials give her an edge in knowing just what shoppers want. Everything from one of a kind jewelry, letterpress greeting cards, summer hats, cocktail books and, much, much more, all fit on overflowing bookshelves, wracks, dressers and stands. Most everything you find in B.la's boutique is U.S. made and fits fair trade standards and all of these creative finds, along with personalized customer service will keep you coming back to discover more.

"I can't think of any other recent administration that would embrace the
fair trade movement as much as the current one."
(Deb Doumitt)

B.la is a committed Retailer for Fair Trade the White House, which invites this administration to Fair Trade their home to increase awareness in America.

Find B.la at 24 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Suite B, Sierra Madre, CA 91024 or call at 626 355 2906

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Handmade Expressions

Are you a retailer looking for fabulous handicrafts made in India? Handmade Expressions is the one-stop place to shop...and then some. They import and wholesale handmade products from India, but they also follow strict fair trade standards, which means that their artisans make a sustainable wage, work under safe conditions, and are given help to develop their communities.

Not only are their goods beautiful, heartfelt and accessible, Handmade Expressions is passionate about spreading the message of fair trade. Their website is informative and easy to navigate and, if you're a business looking to become fair trade, Handmade Expressions can point you in the right direction!

Peruse their goods, sign up for their Newsletter, follow their blog and be inspired! You can also use this link to find the 30 retail locations Handmade Expressions partners with.

Handmade Expressions is a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation, Green America, and Fair Trade the White House

The Rhythm Section

"We all have an opportunity to help shape the sights, sounds, people, and culture...let's do this together." (Rhythm Section's Derrick Ah Sam)

There's nothing better than the smooth blend of music mixed with an effort to bring social justice around the world. This is exactly what The Rhythm Section, whose goal is to spread love through the gift of music and share their passion for music with you, accomplished by signing on as a committed member of Fair Trade the White House.

At Anti-Body's Pre-Launch Party in May (at Downtown LA's e3rd), DJ's of The Rhythm Section mixed their way through an evening of music and Fair Trade to invite First Lady Michelle Obama to Fair Trade her Home. Anti-Body worked with Video Symphony to cut together DJ's For Fair Trade to highlight the event.

Check out The Rhythm Section on Facebook and on MySpace and see their commitment at FTWH!

Media, PA

Not only is Media, Pennsylvania known for its charm (they have a working trolley no less!), trees and friendly community, it's also the first Fair Trade Town in the U.S. (and the first city to sign on with Fair Trade the White House)! On July of 2006, Media announced its fulfillment of the following 5 international criteria to be recognized as an official Fair Trade Town:

• A local Fair Trade steering committee is formed that meets on a regular basis. The aim of the committee is to increase awareness of and demand for Fair Trade products through education, outreach, and events.
• A range of Fair Trade products is available in local stores, cafes, and other venues. These include Fair Trade Certified products and products sold by retailers that are member of the Fair Trade Federation.
• Fair Trade products are used by a number of local organizations such as places of worship, schools, hospitals, and offices.
• The local campaign attracts media attention and visible public support, including press and radio.
• The town and city council pass a resolution supporting Fair Trade and the local campaign.

Steaz

“The Healthy Beverage Company”

Steaz Teas offers the first line of organic iced teas made with fairly traded ingredients. Each naturally flavored beverage is infused with wild harvested and fairly traded leaves and blossoms. Wild harvested means it’s healthy for the earth and for your body. Fairly traded means it’s fair to the farmers. What could be better!

Steaz’s Green Tea, made from 100% Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka, Black Tea, made from Kenyan leaf and White Tea, made from blossoms from China are all Certified Organic™ and come in a variety of natural flavors (including peach, lemon, blueberry and so much more). Whether you choose from their iced teas, sparkling teas or energy drinks, Steaz Teaz really is “good for the mind body and soul!”

Steaz Tea will be included in the gift basket to First Lady Michelle Obama.

Coupon: Buy one, get one free on Fair Trade the White House!

Steaz Tea is certified through TransFair USA

Fair Trade Resource Network

Fair Trade Resource Network (FTRN), an excellent, user friendly source to better understand Fair Trade, its principles and the communities it sustains, also provides easy, everyday ways you can get involved.

FTRN believes that a system of Fair Trade - built on mutually beneficial relationships that value integrity, accountability, and transparency - will:

* Promote respect for the dignity of all human labor;
* Produce models of economic equity and sustainability that can create broad positive social change;
* Provide an opportunity to connect with others and preserve cultural diversity;
* Align environmental sustainability with Fair Trade Practices; and
* Encourage collaboration and cooperation to advance these principles.

That's why they've been working since 1999 to bring Fair Trade to every person in the U.S., as each individual makes a difference - with the promise of lasting benefits for working families around the world. Fair Trade the White House is fortunate to have FTRN as a resource and proud to collaborate as we work together to invite First Lady Michelle Obama to fair trade her home on World Fair Trade Day 2010!

• Check out FTRN's brand new Highlights page

• How to Take Action
  

• Sign up for their monthly e-newsletter to keep up on the latest Fair Trade news and events near you

• Learn how you can be part of the world's largest fair trade coffee break. "Everything is better when it's FAIR!"

Ten Thousand Villages, Pasadena

Shoppers at Ten Thousand Villages, Pasadena don’t have to sacrifice taste or high quality for social responsibility. Whether looking for home décor, jewelry, stationary, instruments or other handicrafts, Ten Thousand Villages, Pasadena features all fairly traded items, so every purchase is an ethical one. Two principles of the fair trade movement are long term relationships and transparency. These same values are extended to the shopper by making personal stories from the artisans available with each item in the store.

In addition to the global mindset of fair trade, Ten Thousand Villages, Pasadena has been a major voice in their local community, engaging residents to celebrate and practice fair consumerism. They’ve opened their shop to screen documentaries, lectures, drum circles and more. Ten Thousand Villages, Pasadena is proud to invite First Lady Michelle Obama to make the White House a Fair Trade Home. Store Manager, Sam Bills expresses, "At the heart of the fair trade movement is the idea that many inspired individuals working within their own limited means can together accomplish something great. When Michelle Obama declares the White House fair trade she will be acknowledging that the synergy of the inspired, the very force that brought the Obama family to the White House, can also challenge the economic status quo through fair trade."

Ten Thousand Villages is a network of 81 stores that markets the handiwork from artisans in over 38 countries. Incidentally, “the global fair trade movement began with the founding of Ten Thousand Villages more than 60 years ago.”

Ten Thousand Villages, Pasadena
496 South Lake Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101

Green America and its Fair Trade Alliance on Board with the FTWH Campaign

Green America: Economic Action to Create a Just Global Economy

In addition to their constant endeavor to help create a more environmentally and economically sustainable and responsible America, Green America continues to contribute socially through fair trade practices. *Green America (formerly Co-op America) combines four powerful strategies:

• Empowering individuals to make purchasing and investing choices that promote social justice and environmental sustainability;
• Demanding an end to corporate irresponsibility through collective economic action;
• Promoting green and fair trade business principles while building the market for businesses adhering to these principles;
• Building sustainable communities in the US and abroad.

Fair Trade the White House sees Green America as a viable and estimable addition to the campaign, and Green America "is excited to invite the First Lady to make the White House a Fair Trade Home. By doing so, she will join thousands of other Fair Trade supporters and raise awareness about how Fair Trade improves the lives of farmers, artisans, and their communities around the world."

Need some Green Tips? Green America's got 'em!

To learn more about Green America's programs (including fair trade), events and membership, please visit their website.

*information copied from Green America's website.