Susie's blog

I was browsing the Fair Trade Federation website and came across some interesting facts and figures I wanted to share to motivate us through 2009.

Fair Trade is growing as a market share, although I am not sure as to how sales will relate when set in the wider economy at present. We are optimistic though here at Muenda as we believe there is a need for our Fair Trade Gifts so people have the opportunity to support a way to a brighter, fairer world.

For further information please visit the Fair Trade Federation website otherwise, read on.

We managed to have LED lighting this Christmas at home, a save on energy and we have a Christmas tree we will soon recycle at Bees Ferry Landfill. Muenda also managed to eliminate the use of plastic bags in 2008 and join Green America, recently known as Coop America. A less wasteful Christmas leads us to ponder 2009. What can we do as a company to be less wasteful and more sustainable? 

Muenda Fair Trade believes that stewardship for the environment is an important part of supporting fair trade. With all this emphasis on building communities in developing countries we are often asked, is there anything particularly eco friendly about fair trade products?

Fair trade companies are primarily focused on social sustainability, not environmental. However, it's no big surprise that the two types of labels often get mixed up by people just testing the waters of conscientious consumerhood. Green labels like USDA Organic and fair trade labels like Equal Exchange are both using consumers’ purchasing power to make the world a healthier place. But for the record, the Fair Trade Federation states the following.

I am not much into ‘New Year Resolutions' however, recent articles made me think about how to enjoy a more environmentally sustainable 2009. Eat local foods and encourage more variety in our diets!

June 2009 there will be a cooperative promotional event with Charleston Style and Design Magazine. Sustainable and Green providers from all over Charleston will come together to collaborate and show off their skills and products by building a GREEN IDEA HOME.

Teaching children to take care of the environment is as important as them learning to read!

Our actions today as adults has a significant impact on how they will live in the future.

Learning about the environment can be fun, what child does not want to play in the garden!

Here are some ideas to get started.

Looking at pictures from back home in England.  Would be homesick, but the parent are here for the holidays:-)

The holiday season is the time for family and friends. This is priceless! The best gift you can give those you care about is time. And good food!

I mentioned in the previous Christmas blog about using local and organic food: supporting local farmers and having fresh food.
Why not bake a cake as a gift? Cookies, bread or a pie are always welcome when visiting those nearest and dearest.

It is Buy Local Week December 1-7th and there are various ways to support local businesses and events.

Buy Local Week is a national awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of our local independent businesses on our local economy! Here in Charleston this year's holiday campaign will include a Give Local Holiday Bazaar, viewing of the documentary film Independent America at the Terrace Theater, Eat Local Night and a Local Hero contest.