Take Action: Spread the Word

One of the heaviest-traded commodities, coffee is the largest import into the United States, second only to oil. In one way or another most people interact with the coffee industry each day, whether it is through brewing your own pot each morning, interactions during coffee break or fellowship time at church.

Since coffee is so prevalent in our society, finding ways to get involved may be easier than one expects. In fact, there are numerous ways both coffee connoisseurs and non-drinkers can take part in spreading the word about fair trade coffee. A few examples come to mind:

For those who drink coffee:

• Ask for a cup of fair trade at your local coffee shop
• If none is available, ask the owner to offer the choice: fair trade and free trade
• Is fair trade sold at your local grocery store? Ask.
• If not, ask to see the owner and express your desire for a fair trade option
• Sponsor a fair trade coffee break at work each week

For those who do not drink coffee:

• Buy fair trade teas and hot chocolate
• Invite friends over for a fair trade tea party
• Ask for a fair trade option at your local cafè
• Talk to your church about serving fair trade products during fellowship break

Interfaith Program: Churches Support Fair Trade

One way in which thousands of people support fair trade is through their home church. The following churches (and associated faith-based organizations) have signed agreements with the Interfaith Program of Equal Exchange to provide fair trade products to their members. Links refer to an organizations' web page dedicated to fair trade coffee.

• Church of the Brethren (Coffee Project),
• Catholic Church (Catholic Relief Services Coffee Project),
• Friends Church (AFSC Coffee Project),
• Lutheran Church (Lutheran World Relief Coffee Project),
• Mennonite Church (Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Coffee Project),
• United Methodist Church (United Methodist Committee on Relief Coffee Project),
• Presbyterian Church (Presbyterian Coffee Project),
• United Church of Christ (UCC Coffee Project),
• Unitarian Universalist Church (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Coffee Project)

For more information about the Equal Exchange Interfaith Program, e-mail interfaith@equalexchange.com or call 781-830-0303 x228.