Although the Fair Trade movement actually began in the 1940s, many consumers are still unaware of what Fair Trade Certified means. To help spread the message and educate everyone, Fair Trade USA has been busy the entire month of October with heightened activity and special promotions … they’re generously sponsoring this Great Green Giveaway for you, our readers. One caveat – it applies to residents in the USA only.

UPDATE: It’s official, our lucky winner is Cyndi Hall of NC … Thanks to everyone for participating and keep supporting Fair Trade made goods. Our next Great Green Giveaway kicks of tomorrow so stay tuned…

One lucky winner will receive a reusable Gift Bag filled with Fair Trade Certified products – quality products that improve lives and protect the environment. Included will be items such as: Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Honey (16oz), Green Mountain Columbian Coffee (10oz), Hand in Hand sustainable suds soap bar (4oz), Aura Cacia nourishing body polish (8oz), samples of Choice organic tea, Sencha Mints, chocolate (and the reusable tote).

Open to residents in USA only. Prize value approx. $50.00, (includes shipping).

To enter
(with each bullet below, leave a comment & receive an entry):

• visit Fair Trade USA and then comment on this post telling us what product(s) you check while shopping to ensure Fair Trade Certification.
• subscribe to our free monthly e-newsletter with insider news.

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Designer Anabel Fournier and her company, Fournier Designs, make fabulous clothing and accessories (like the handmade Martha necklace, $42 pictured right) from Bolivian baby alpaca wool, organic cotton and pima cotton.

While living in Bolivia a few years ago, Founier founded her company as a poverty alleviation project. She trained local artisans to crochet, knit and embroider her designs and uses locally harvested natural materials in her eco-friendly fashion line.

Find more of Anabel’s fashions @ her Supermarket shop

(above) These handmade, lightweight shrugs can add a sexy layer to the simplest of casual outfits. Knitted meticulously by hand and designed in Fairtrade ‘eco cotton’ by iLE AiYE.
$61 at the ileaiye Etsy shop

(above) Fair Trade USA is a non-proft which certifies that you’re receiving quality products created by workers (no child labor) receiving a Fair Deal – fair pay under good working conditions; funds are invested in community development and goods are created in an environmentally responsible manner (including no GMOs). Because every purchase matters, don a pair of (more…)

For all you beer aficionados – it’s Oktoberfest – these handsome, handmade greeting cards are made with recycled paper and spent barley from the Upland Beer brewery in Bloomington, Indiana.

Cards feature a “Cheers!” woodcut by Darian Goldin Stahl on front of card. Text on the back of card lets receiver know the special ingredient and beer name. Each set of four cards comes with matching envelopes and includes one card in each of four popular beer colors – wheat, pilsner, amber and porter. (more…)

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• Celebs join fight to stop Keystone XL Pipeline…Alec Baldwin Wants You to ‘Occupy Pipeline’ – ecorazzi
• Cap and trade takes a step forward…California Approves Carbon Market Rules – enn
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