Fair Trade is good gift-giving.

Each year, as this season arrives, I feel a twinge of anxiety about giving gifts. Part of me wants to let others know I care about them by offering a gift. Part of me doesn't want to give "things" that take a toll on both my wallet (read: my life!) and the environment. Every year, I fall into this quandary.

I know it's only December 2nd, but so far I feel like both parts of me are being satisfied - Blair & I visited the Penns Valley gift fair Hope Fundraiser last weekend and I was able to purchase some homemade gifts. And, this weekend SCPC is beginning their SERRV Sale. As well, there will be Fairtrade Coffee & Chocolate for sale (Equal Exchange).

SERRV is one of many great organizations that helps artisans in developing countries by getting their wares into the hands of people with money - we all benefit! It is beautiful, function, and fun stuff. And, the artists can now feed their families. It's Fair Trade, too. Which is to say that the artisans are paid a fair wage for their craft. There are other similar organizations (Ten Thousand Villages, and Fair Trade Indigo are two other stores I love) that I encourage you to check out. And, if you're at SCPC in the next two weeks, consider doing some of your gift shopping here!

http://www.serrv.org/

SERRV is a nonprofit organization with a mission to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.