Penn State Brandywine hosted a Ted Circle about Fair Trade on February 24, 2022. The event happened in Parsons Hall of the Student Union Building,  between 12:15- 1:15 pm. There were over thirty students, faculty, and staff. Fair Trade lunch was served as part of the event, which included Fair Trade Peppercorn Ranch, Fair Trade Curry Chicken Salad, Fair Trade Tumeric Roasted Vegetable on Croissant, and Fair Trade Chocolate Chip Cookies. The discussion was led by Prof. Zoia Pavlovskaia, Lecturer in Business.

Do you know where you get your coffee, tea, bananas, and chocolate? Most of our products come from countries where human rights are being violated horribly. Many plantations in West Africa employ slave and child laborers. It is estimated that two million children are affected. The world’s poorest 2 billion people live on less than $2 a day. This information was highlighted in the two Ted talks that were watched and discussed at the event.

http://https://youtu.be/ibjUpk9Iagk

http://%20https://youtu.be/xT6TQSxlDOY

How can we combat global poverty? By means of fair trading! We participate in the global economy now we have a drink of coffee in the morning. The world is ruled by consumers. Consumers select what is for sale by businesses based on supply and demand. Enormous power, however, comes with great responsibility. Consumers can also make demands about how items are created. Everyday purchases should reflect our core principles. Fairtrade can help producers become more powerful. Educate, encourage, and shop! Consumerism does not have to be a negative experience. Take a stand for justice. Take part in the movement.