Do you sometimes feel that school fundraisers are an assault on your health and wellness? It's hard to resist when a bright, young person hands you a catalog asking you to help raise money, even when it is full of candy loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, toxic candles, or bad-for-your-waistline frozen baked goods. But, there's good news. Today there are fundraisers that consider your health, the environment, and Fair Trade.
Blog
Our blog takes you behind the scenes of Equal Exchange and connects you to our network of farmer partners, customers, and allies around the world. We hope you'll use this space to stay informed and get involved in some big conversations. Also check out Small Farmers Big Change for a more in-depth look at issues faced by our farmer partners and the Fair Trade industry.
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June 4, 2012
Ruthie Oland#How-Tos -
June 4, 2012
Beth Ann CaspersenEqual Exchange Quality Manager Beth Ann Caspersen took a coffee "Q Course" at the Coffee Quality Institute, then went through a two-year apprenticeship to become a Q Instructor so that she can teach the Q Course herself. She's one of 31 certified Q Instructors in the world.
#At Equal Exchange -
April 3, 2012
Mike MowryIn February I spent a week traveling around Ethiopia with representatives from other coffee companies as part of a Cupping Caravan. In two 15 passenger vans, top loaded with gas ranges, propane, and 5 gallon bottles of water, we spent the first few days cupping—the industry term for analyzing coffee—at various ECX field labs. ECX stands for the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange, which is the government agency responsible for grading all commodities produced in Ethiopia.
#Farmer Partners -
April 2, 2012
Jessica Jones-Hughes
You know spring is here when the colorful crocus start to sprout and there's still sunlight during the evening commute. Even though we experienced a mild winter here in New England, I am still feeling that yearly inner yearning to get outside now that spring is officially here.#Health/Wellness -
April 1, 2012
Ashley SymonsGeo-what, you say? Geobars bring a global Farmers' market direct to you - all in one delicious snack bar made with fairly traded ingredients. They're great on the go, in packed lunches, or shared at a group function.
#Products -
March 20, 2012
Ashley Symons
It's a Friday morning at Equal Exchange and one day short of the official start of Spring. A truck backs into one of our loading docks. But it's not here to take away boxes of Equal Exchange products. It’s here to pick up chaff.
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February 12, 2012
Mike Mowry
Mike Mowry, Coffee Quality Coordinator, and Beth Ann Caspersen, Quality Control Manager, are in Ethiopia for two weeks. Here Mike talks week one and gives us an overview of what's still to come for the two travelers.
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February 6, 2012
Jessica Jones-Hughes
You may have heard about food co-op general managers, employees, church members, or Equal Exchange staff making the trek down to the places where coffee, tea and cocoa are grown. In October of 2011, Equal Exchange took our first delegation to see a very different product: bananas!
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February 5, 2012
Susan Sklar
In early November 2011, Equal Exchange traveled to the West Bank to meet with the members of the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committee (PARC) from whom we are now buying organic, fairly traded olive oil.
#Farmer Partners -
January 30, 2012
Jessica Jones-Hughes
Have you ever noticed feeling extra tired during the winter months?
Less energy to do the things you usually do, like exercising or playing
with your kids? As we shift into winter, the sun goes down earlier
and rises later, the temperature drops, and our energy levels tend to
follow. Not all of us are prone to the winter pull; some find the cold
reenergizing. Regardless of which side of the fence you fall on, the
below tips may boost your mood and help you feel stronger and healthier
during the winter months.#Health/Wellness