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| Fair Trade Titles We Recommend
1. Where to Start ~ Fair Trade Essentials
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NOT SHIPPING UNTIL March 8, 2010
By FTRN, published March 2010 ~ 34 pg. booklet ~ High school & above ~ $3.95 retail. Bulk rate of $2/copy for orders of 10 or more. PDF version also available for $2. Hard and soft copy now includes password to edit and copy the Power Point presentation of booklet highlights!
FTRN says: “A quick read offering a comprehensive overview of the North American Fair Trade movement. The definitive booklet on Fair Trade’s various models, success stories, major names, facts and figures, brief history and key challenges and opportunities.”
Summary/review: This publication will help readers:
- Understand how Fair Trade relationships in over 60 developing countries enhance the quality of life of producers and their communities.
- Interact with a global community taking action to ease inequities wrought by traditional trade structures.
- Navigate the complicated world of organizations, labels and definitions of Fair Trade.
This booklet was supported by the following sponsors:
Jolica ~ Ganesh Himal ~ Ten Thousand Villages USA
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By Jacqueline DeCarlo ~ 176 pg. book ~ High school & above ~ $14.95
FTRN says: “This is a strongly recommended read. A Beginner’s Guide offers a solid overview of all things Fair Trade – from its history to key players and challenges.”
Summary/review: Fair Trade: A Beginner’s Guide reveals why Fair Trade means more than just bananas, coffee, and chocolate. Author and activist Jacqueline DeCarlo explains the principles behind Fair Trade and its development into a powerful economic tool. Packed with inspiring ways to make a difference, this book will encourage readers of all backgrounds to help end poverty, environmental destruction, and human exploitation.
Buy it from SERRV |
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Changing the Rules of Trade with Global Partnerships:
The Fair Trade Movement
By Kimberly Grimes ~ 11 pg. book chapter ~ College students & above
FTRN says: “A short, anthropological view of Fair Trade, this is an excellent jumping-off point for further research on Fair Trade and the challenges of globalization.”
Summary/review: This chapter from Social Movements: An Anthropological Reader clearly and concisely details the organization of Fair Trade as a social movement, from its early beginnings in the 1940s up to the rise of FTF, FTRN and TransFair in the late 1990s. It covers the need for Fair Trade as well as the challenges it faces in the global marketplace.
Access the pdf from FTRN |
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Business Unusual - Successes and Challenges of Fair Trade
Published in 2006 by FLO (Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International), IFAT (International Fair Trade Association), NEWS! (Network of European Worldshops) and EFTA (European Fair Trade Association) ~ 187 pg. book ~ High school & above ~ $18.95
FTRN says: “Written by four international Fair Trade associations, this book explains how Fair Trade works, while giving background into several different Fair Trade products and organizations.”
Summary/review:
Business Unusual is a reference book for everybody who wants to look behind the scenes of Fair Trade. It shows how Fair Trade works in practice, based on the examples of coffee, rice, handicrafts, cotton and textiles. It demonstrates the pioneering work of Fair Trade Organizations in developing a truly responsible business model. By showing that fair trading is possible, the book wants to encourage all business actors to apply similar principles. It discusses some lessons from Fair Trade for trade policy making, looking behind the reasons for the stalemate in world trade negotiations.
Buy it from Global Exchange |
2. Key Reads for Taking Action in Fair Trade
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Guide to Fair Trade, 2009
By Green America ~ 30 pg. guide ~ High school & above
FTRN says: “This brief guide is a great way to get involved in Fair Trade – with information about Fair Trade products and numerous tips for taking action.”
Summary/review: Want to know where to get the latest Fair Trade products? Need organizing material for your business or organization? Discover the many possibilities of Fair Trade in Green America’s new full color Guide to Fair Trade. Inside you’ll find descriptions of dozens of national and international Fair Trade products. Learn where to find them using the Guide’s extensive directory of almost 300 Fair Trade businesses and organizations. Take action in the Fair Trade movement by following the step-by-step plan for mobilizing your organization and local producers.
Download the PDF | Order copies from Green America |
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50 Reasons to Buy Fair Trade
By Miles Litvinoff & John Madeley ~ 256 pg. book ~ High school & above ~ $15.95
FTRN says: “From economics to activism, the 50 reasons run the gamut. Our favorite chapter? ‘Prove the free trade eggheads wrong’.”
Summary/review: Fair trade is a growing global movement, with a widening range of fair trade goods now available in stores. This book provides fifty reasons why buying fair trade delivers a host of benefits to people and the planet. It’s an inspiring account of how every consumer can play a part in improving and even saving lives – making global trade work better for poor people.
Buy it from Powell’s Independent Bookstore |
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A Fair Feast: 70 Celebrity Recipes for a Fairer World
By Vicky Bhogal, 2005 ~ 144 pg. book ~ High school & above ~ $17.95
FTRN says: “This cookbook is a great combination of Fair Trade recipes and information on Fair Trade and poverty. It includes a plenty of ideas for how to use Fair Trade products in your cooking.”
Summary/review: A Fair Feast is a cookbook co-ordinated and compiled by Vicky Bhogal, and comprising 70 recipes donated from the top names within the food industry and beyond. From Sir Elton John to Minnie Driver, Ken Hom to Keith Floyd, Richard and Judy to Dido, Margaret Atwood to Delia Smith, Jemma Kidd to Sir Terence Conran, this book covers all styles of food and all the stars of food, coming together to make a difference in the best way they know how. An illustrated quote from each celebrity, introducing either their donated dish or the wider initiative and their support of it, prefaces every recipe. Alongside the beautiful fair trade photographs, small vignettes of information are included to raise awareness of how fairer trade rules, better aid, and the cancellation of Third World debts are needed to tackle poverty. The proceeds from the book will go towards promoting long-term food security and sustainable agriculture.
Buy it from Powell’s Independent Bookstore |
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By Kimberly Grimes ~ 42 pg. booklet ~ For those starting FT businesses ~ $4.95
FTRN says: “Based on personal experiences from more than 75 diverse shops around North America, this is a must-read for anyone starting a Fair Trade business.”
Summary/review: Filled with practical, proven advice from a variety of Fair Trade entrepreneurs, the Guide for Retailers is will help any new Fair Trade business owner dedicate his/her business aspirations in the service of Fair Trade principles. It provides step-by-step guidance for necessary preparations, building a successful foundation, and enjoying the benefits of a well-run Fair Trade business.
Buy it from FTRN |
3. A Deeper Understanding of Fair Trade
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Brewing Justice: Fair Trade Coffee, Sustainability, and Survival
By Daniel Jaffe ~ 331 pg. book ~ Public & academic use
FTRN says: “Brewing Justice is very readable for a range of audiences – members of the public and academics. The clear thinking and strong research offer great insights into Fair Trade.”
Summary/review: Published by the University of California Press, this book addresses the essential question: Is Fair Trade working? This vivid and detailed study of coffee farmers in Oaxaca, Mexico offers the first thorough investigation of the social, economic and environmental benefits of Fair Trade. This clearly-written book offers a nuanced analysis of the effects of fair trade on everyday life, and at the same time paints a clear picture of the complex dynamics of the fair trade and global markets. Brewing Justice also explores the changing politics of the international fair trade movements and provides recommendations for improvements.
Buy it from Powell’s Independent Bookstore |
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Fair Trade: Using Our Purchasing Power for Justice and Hope - A Bible Study
By Rev. Judy Hoffhine and PC (USA) Mission Co-worker Ruth Farrell in 2008 ~ 40 pg. booklet ~ High school & above ~ $5.00
FTRN says: “This book provides a facilitated discussion of Fair Trade for anyone interested in Fair Trade’s connections to Biblical principles. Good for both individual contemplation, or for group study.”
Summary/review: The book walks the reader through the principles of Fair Trade by means of personal narration, Bible passages, questions for reader to reflect upon, and challenges to engage the reader in learning about Fair Trade. Authors explore the convergence of its nine basic Key Principles with the Judeo-Christian teachings of justice. Also provides a resource list for further study.
Buy it from Partners for Just Trade
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Monitoring and Impact of FairTrade Initiatives: A case study of Kuapa Kokoo and the Day Chocolate Company
By Lorain Ronchi ~ 23 pg. report ~ for adult readers
FTRN says: “For Fair Trade to change inequities in trading systems, it is necessary to take stock of our impact on the involved producers and consumers. This report offers key insights into mechanisms for such monitoring and evaluation.”
Summary/review: This case study highlights the challenges and approaches particular to monitoring impact for Fair Trade initiatives. For students and others in Fair Trade, it provides quality information on the impacts on producers and consumers of the Kuapa/Day Chocolate FairTrade initiative. For practitioners seeking to evaluate their own impact, this document will offer ideas for developing an internal impact monitoring system.
Order from Twin Trading |
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Changing Big Business: The Globalization of the Fair Trade Movement
By Anna Hutchens, 2009 ~ 256 pg. book ~ graduate level & above ~ $110
FTRN says: “This book provides a theoretical understanding of the global politics of Fair Trade, and the power dynamics within the movement. Good for sociology and political science academics. Interesting sections cover the history of Fair Trade, models of Fair Trade pioneers, and the evolving structure of the Fairtrade Labeling Organization and the World Fair Trade Organization.”
Summary/review: Hutchens develops several new approaches to understanding power, governance and social change across the broad interdisciplinary fields of development, economics and politics. Emphasizing Fair Trade’s entrepreneurs, this book investigates the creation of innovative commercial Fair Trade business models that are often neglected in research. The book has in-depth sections on brands and labels, European activities, and the power of networks.
Buy it on Amazon.com
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Fair Trade: Market Driven Ethical Consumption
By C. Opal/A. Nicholls ~ 277 pg. book ~ Students & practitioners ~ $46.95
FTRN says: “Great as a college textbook or a helpful reference book for anyone who seeks a solid understanding of Fair Trade.”
Summary/review: Fair Trade: Market-Driven Ethical Consumption offers a comprehensive and in-depth overview of major issues in Fair Trade, including a concise history, the economics, ethics, structures, functioning, and evaluation of the field. In clear and succinct language, the authors presented the major challenges of each aspect of Fair Trade and provided very concrete and practical solutions for its future development. There is a summary to each chapter, making it highly user-friendly.
Buy it from Powell’s Independent Bookstore |
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Fair Trade: The Challenges of Transforming Globalization
By L. Raynolds/D. Murray/J. Wilkinson ~ 240 pg. book ~ for students & academics ~ $29.95
FTRN says: “This new book shines new light on debates about globalization, free markets, and poverty. Read just a chapter on a particular topic or region that interests you, or cover-to-cover to gain a global understanding of challenges facing Fair Trade.”
Summary/review: Fair Trade: The Challenges of Transforming Globalization explores the challenges and potential of Fair Trade, emphasizing the inherent tensions of working both in, and against, the market. It covers Fair Trade’s recent rapid growth into new production regions, market arenas, and commodity areas through cases studies in Europe, North America, African and Latin America. The authors draw on, and advance, global commodity and value chain analysis, convention, and social movement approaches through these case studies and a series of synthetic analytical chapters.
Buy it from Powell’s Independent Bookstore
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4. Fair Trade for the Whole Family
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By Ingrid Hess, published February 2010 ~ Ages 3-8 ~ 40 color pages 8×9 inches, softcover book ~ $12.99 retail plus shipping. Wholesale rate available by contacting FTRN.
FTRN says: “A fun educational read and a joy to look at, this book is a rare and engaging Fair Trade resource for kids aged 3-8. Younger children can search for the ladybug on each spread, and listen to or read the fictional story. Older children can also read the nonfiction sections on each spread.”
Summary/review: Stella & Henry are on a mission to find the perfect gift. With help from Aunt Mabel, the two children discover the world of Fair Trade and learn how shopping wisely can improve people’s lives.
“Think Fair Trade First!” explains Fair Trade’s comprehensive approach to business and development with fun, educational content for kids and grown-ups alike. A great find for teachers to explain how their students can make the world a better place.
~ Carmen K. Iezzi, Executive Director, Fair Trade Federation
Buy it from FTRN |
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By Marco Hernandez & Kimberly Grimes ~ ages 10 & up, CD for all ages ~ Fundraiser for the Amazon Nut Project ~ Retail Prices: CD set $22 / Book $15 / Book & CD set together $35 plus shipping ~ Wholesale Prices (6 or more copies): CD set $10 / Book $7.50 plus shipping
FTRN says: “A wonderful read and a joy to the ear, this CD set and book supports Amazonian farmers who strive to provide for their families while preserving the ecological balance of the rainforest.”
Summary/review: Features the smooth rhythms of Bossa Nova of the Brazilian coast to the ancient pipes and strings of the high Amazon jungle, plus a CD with sounds of jungle animals recorded at night. The wonderful “children’s” book of the same name teaches us all, young and old, about the rainforest, its riches and its needs. Traveling down the Amazon is a journey we all need to take, in words if not in canoes, to understand the rich diversity of our planet and why it is at risk.
Buy it from FTRN |
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A Cafecito Story
By Julia Alvarez ~ 69 pg. book (illustr.) ~ Adults & children ~ avail in Eng & Spa. ~ $10
FTRN says: “Don’t be fooled by the length of this book. Its few pages contain a wealth of information about Fair Trade and what happens when a few people decide to make a positive difference in others’ lives. This is a great, short intro to Fair Trade for people of all ages.”
Summary/review: Available in Spanish and English language versions, A Cafecito Story is an eco-fable by best-selling author, Julia Alvarez with woodcuts by Belkis Ramí-rez. Based on Alvarez’s experiences trying to reclaim a small coffee farm in her native Dominican Republic, it shows how a return to the traditional methods of shade-grown coffee can rehabilitate and rejuvenate the landscape and human culture.
Buy it from Global Exchange |
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Zapizapu Crosses the Sea
By Diane Abad Vergara, 2007; Illustrated by Ria van Rooyen ~ 16 pg. book ~ Ages 4 - 8 ~ $7.31
FTRN says: “A great Fair Trade read for the whole family, accessible and easy to understand.”
Summary/review: Let’s take a journey with our children across the big, wide, deep blue sea! We will discover the delicious zapizapu and learn about the people that grow it. Then, as we follow zapizapu’s journey as it crosses the sea we will learn what it means to others when we pay a fair price for the things we enjoy. Zapizapu Crosses the Sea is a fascinating children’s book. The script and colorful illustrations work together to simplify the concept of international trade and personify those involved around the world from grower to consumer. In its rawness we discover that the simple yet important concept of ‘playing fair’ is important for children and grown-ups alike.
Buy it from Trafford Publishing
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