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.

note – be sure to include (m at alternativeconsumer.com) in your address book so if you’re the winner you’ll be able to receive our notification.

additional ways to enter

• subscribe to AltCon daily RSS feed so you don’t miss anything
• join Fair Trade USA on Facebook
• join ALTCON on Facebook
• follow @altCon on Twitter
• follow @FairTradeUSA on Twitter
• tweet about the giveaway (no more than once per day), include @AltCon

10 semifinalists will be selected in our random drawing, and then we will select that which we deem the “best comment” and notify winner by email. Contest ends Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 11:59p (EST). Winner has 24 hours to claim prize, or the offer is null and void. Winner’s name will be included on this post. As always, we will not share your contact info with anyone. Good luck!

Download Fair Trade USA’s mobile app for Android … or pick one up for your iPhone at the iTunes store (screensaver top photo).

With apps like these, it’s getting easier all the time to put your dollars toward products and services that make you happy AND socially responsible.