Green America's Fair Trade Coordinator

Meet Green America's new fair trade coordinator, Elizabeth O'Connell!!


I joined Green America about two weeks ago as the new Fair Trade Coordinator, and I am very excited about it! I am originally from Rochester NY, but I actually grew up in Hong Kong and Switzerland. My interest in fairer labor conditions probably started when visiting a Chinese brick factory on a 7th grade trip, where the dust was so thick it was difficult to breathe and see. However, it was not until college that I got involved in the fair trade movement. As a member of the entrepreneurial club at NYU, I was a founder of the school’s first fair trade café, an endeavor that was a ton of fun and a huge success! I also interned at Social Accountability international for a semester. After finishing college, I taught English in Cambodia for five months, and then worked in New York City, doing fundraising for a Cambodian children’s hospital.

At Green America I will be working on our fair trade programs and campaigns, including the fair trade pavilions at the Green Festivals and the Fair Trade Alliance newsletter. I will also be working on planning the Fair Trade Futures Conference.

Find out more about Elizabeth's adventures in fair trade at her blogspot.

2010 Fair Trade Calendar

This just in from the Fair Trade Resource Network!

In time for the holiday gift season, the Fair Trade 2010 Calendar is now reaching retail outlets and customers. Winners of the first FT Photo Competition, along with every photo entry from FT activists, businesses, and enthusiasts, can be seen in the first FT Calendar, produced by Fair Trade Federation and Fair Trade Resource Network.

The 2010 Fair Trade Calendar features beautiful images of FT celebrations, crafts, college events, commodities, producer groups, retail stores, wholesalers and more. Facts, figures, action plans, and a list of FT businesses also fill the 24 pages. Consistent with FT values, the calendar was designed by a worker-owned cooperative, and printed by a green, union print shop.

This historic publication retails for $14.95. Bulk rates are also available. Buy single or bulk copies.