Fair Trade

Norman Oklahoma has finally become an official fair trade town, according to fairtradetownsusa.org. This recognition makes Norman the 17^th town to attain this status. It comes as the direct result of the efforts of Norman Fair Trade, a local organization that seeks to localize global issues.

TransFair USA is a non profit behind the certification process for fair trade products in the United States. They cite that fair trade currently benefits over one million farmers in 50 different countries, growing a range of products from coffee to flowers.

According to the Norman Fair Trade website, there are now many places in Norman where people can directly impact issues of injustice by shopping for products that qualify as fair trade. The group advocated for support from the local government as well as more products available that were produced locally or imported with fair prices and minus child or slave labor.

The Campus Corner restaurant Café Plaid is one such place. They offer fair trade coffee and teas. "It's just the right thing to do," says manager Jason Skeel. "It's our style of business," he says. Within the business they believe in the justice behind the products which give "appropriate wage for appropriate work." Skeel also says that the products themselves are a higher quality and that, due to the global implications, "our customers almost demand it."

With this recognition, "Norman serves as both an example and a leader in terms of supporting and promoting social justice and environmental responsibility worldwide," says Stephanie Bates, a member of Norman Fair Trade.

However, the trend will not stop with Cafe Plaid and Norman. The number of fair trade towns is growing due to increased awareness and support. Bates says that their group is constantly seeking new members and in general, for people to shop responsibly. Visit transfairusa.org to learn more.