Beat Poverty: Word Fair Trade Day In Japan
I love how the good people over at People Tree are such an insipration here in Japan. This year's World Fair Trade Day in early May was no exception: 800 people showed up to watch their fashion show: there was Taiko drumming by Gocoo, a celebrated band with a lot of energy (and a cute website) and other fashion-related events. Says Safia Minney:
The fair trade movement is growing stronger and stronger. I can't beleive it is seven years ago that they invited me to talk about consumers perceptions about fair trade at their international conference. I made a strong case for the fair trade movement to promote themselves more, and be proud of what they are doing. Back then, they were often seen as running little shops with not much to sell except the odd tea bags or cotton t-shirts. How things have changed!
People Tree, Avanti and Patagonia are the real pioneers for organic cotton in Japan. They have been working in organic cotton for over 12 years and have developed some of the best fabrics and clothes in the international market. They are often inviting activists from producing countries to Roppongi Hills, a gleaming building in the heart of Tokyo, hosting press conferences, where Japan's journalists are briefed on the issues facing cotton farmers worldwide.
People Tree's catalogue and the online shop are also popular: lots of stuff available by mail order in case you don't live near a real shop. 5% discounts as we talk. Wish I could get a free gift for promoting them ;)
Whether you attended a World Fair Trade Day event or not the biggest support you can give is buying Fair Trade and telling your friends about it.
The fair trade movement is growing stronger and stronger. I can't beleive it is seven years ago that they invited me to talk about consumers perceptions about fair trade at their international conference. I made a strong case for the fair trade movement to promote themselves more, and be proud of what they are doing. Back then, they were often seen as running little shops with not much to sell except the odd tea bags or cotton t-shirts. How things have changed!
People Tree, Avanti and Patagonia are the real pioneers for organic cotton in Japan. They have been working in organic cotton for over 12 years and have developed some of the best fabrics and clothes in the international market. They are often inviting activists from producing countries to Roppongi Hills, a gleaming building in the heart of Tokyo, hosting press conferences, where Japan's journalists are briefed on the issues facing cotton farmers worldwide.
People Tree's catalogue and the online shop are also popular: lots of stuff available by mail order in case you don't live near a real shop. 5% discounts as we talk. Wish I could get a free gift for promoting them ;)
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