[/caption]Bob Ewing - Care for the people is one of the three ethics of permaculture design. The ethics form the foundation upon which each design is developed.
How do we translate this particular ethical principal into daily living? We can start by looking at our activities, the things we do on a regular basis. Across, North America, many people begin their day with a cup or three of coffee; some make it at home, others stop and pick it up at their favourite coffee spot on the way to work or school. Each day, people have coffee at breaks, when at the mall, or simply getting together with friends to chat.
Coffee is a great place to begin caring for people. Fair Trade coffees, hot chocolate and teas are becoming increasingly common. I have been buying fair trade coffee for some years now and not only enjoy the flavour; I drink my coffee straight, no milk, cream or sugar allowed, but also help a local charity rise a few bucks.
I admit it does cost more, however, I view the expense as an investment in a better world and a way of helping others help themselves while doing minimal harm. Much of fair trade coffee is also organic and bird friendly.
Bird friendly means that trees are not cut down to grow the coffee but remain to provide food and shelter for the songbirds which travel from the north to the coffee growing countries to get through the cold northern winters.
So what is fair trade and how does it differ from other trading systems?
Fair Trade is a trading partnership: a partnership between individuals and communities that uses dialogue, transparency and respect, to evolve greater equity in international trade.
Fair Trade contributes to sustainable development because it offers better trading conditions to, and secures the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.
Fair Trade changes the relationship between seller and consumer and forges a new one that sees them both working towards the same goal, a just and sustainable society.
Some fair trade coffee growing enterprises are formed as cooperatives, workers cooperative in particular, are common.
A cooperative is not a business unto itself but a business model, the cooperative may sell food, clothing or furniture for example. It is a structure not a product.
Cooperatives are democratic as all members of a co-op are equal decision makers in the enterprise and employ the one-member, one vote, process of making decisions.
Each worker owns a share in the cooperative and the enterprise is owned and controlled by the workers.
If you want to build a better world and are interested in living lightly on the earth, consider the ethics of permaculture design as a means to modify your existing activities in such a way as to not only reduce the possible harm your lifestyle does but also as a way to help others improve their lives while reducing their impact on the planet. This is a true win-win situation.
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are only the beginning. Food, clothing and much more can be produced and traded fairly. When shopping look for labels and if in doubt ask the sales staff about fair trade items.
Positive social change only takes place when people take action so make the first move and shop for fair trade products when you must shop. Care for the people and you also care for the planet.