Not long ago, environmentally friendly and Fair Trade products were written off as whimsical ideas for the buckwheat-and-Birkenstock brigade. Today, they’re mainstream.

This is great news for the developing world. Earth-friendly products can help prevent environmental changes that have a devastating effect on those least able to cope—the world’s poor. Fair Trade products help ensure a better future for producers who are paid a fair price for their work.

A survey around the World Vision Canada office yielded several staff suggestions for everyday items that will leave you feeling part of the solution—without having to march on Parliament Hill.

1. Farmer’s Market Produce
2. Green & Black’s Maya Gold Chocolate
3. Jewellery from Ten Thousand Villages
4. Just Us! Jungle Blend Coffee
5. My Used Bike
6. PC Green Bin
7. Yardworks Reel Lawn Mower

1. Farmer’s Market Produce
Andrew Wheeler, Web Editor

“I’m not a hardcore Fair Trade and organics guy (though I wish I was). But I’ve found that shopping at the local farmer’s market is a simple and fun way to buy organic produce and preserve the environment.

“When I buy organic fruit and veg from local farmers, I get fresh, ripe food that has not been shipped from across the continent with all the pollution that entails. My kids like the hustle and bustle of the market and I enjoy talking to the people who actually grow my food.”

Available in a community near you.

2. Green & Black’s Maya Gold Chocolate
Doug Blackburn, Senior Manager, Education and Public Engagement

“This treat is a Fair Trade organic dark chocolate combined with the flavours of orange and spices. Green & Black got the combination of bitterness and spice just right. As a bonus, it's good for you (full of antioxidants), it's good for those who produced it (fairly traded) and it's good for the land (organically grown cocoa beans)—wins all around!”

Available at IGA and Sobeys stores.

3. Jewellery from Ten Thousand Villages
Alicia Singh, Assistant Web Editor

“I love jewellery! Ten Thousand Villages has an awesome selection of handcrafted jewellery ranging from earrings to bangles. When you shop online and click on an item, you can learn more about the artisan group that has created it and how your support is helping. Upon checkout, you can also request a brochure to learn more about Fair Trade. 

My favourite item right now is the Rainbow Glass Bead Necklace from India—it’s only $16!”

Available at Ten Thousand Villages stores.

4. Just Us! Jungle Blend Coffee
Michael Messenger, Vice President, Public Affairs

“My favourite Fair Trade product is Jungle Blend organic coffee from the Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op in Grand Pre, Nova Scotia. I spent many hours huddled over many cups while reviewing legal documents or talking theology in the Just Us! cafe in Halifax when I lived there. 

Just Us! believes in "people and the planet before profits" and offers a fair price, respect and empowerment for workers in the developing world. Other products produced by the co-op include fair trade tea, sugar and chocolate.”

Available at specialty shops and from the Just Us! website.

5. My Used Bike
Tara Tracy, Justice Activism Coordinator

"’Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.’
--HG Wells

“I love my bike for quite a few reasons. It’s renewable—I bought it used seven years ago and I work on it myself whenever it needs repair. It’s clean—it spews no carbon. It also reduces congestion, contributing to safer and quieter streets. And when it dies, I will recycle it.

“My bike reminds me that efficient, beneficial and simple inventions still have a place in this world.”

Available on Craigslist and other community websites.

6. PC Green Bin
Andrew Wheeler, Web Editor

“I hate plastic bags. Seeing them in trees, in ditches and on riverbanks drives me crazy. Aside from reducing the number of plastic bags I use, PC Green Bins are sturdy, easy to carry (handles or straps) and hold tons of stuff. I can usually fit a week’s worth of groceries for my family into just four bins. If you’re skeptical, buy just one and try it out for a few weeks. At worst, you’ll end up with a great catch-all container for the back of the van.”

Available at Loblaw stores.

7. Yardworks Reel Lawn Mower
Henry Vanderspek, Youth Animator

“My reel lawn mower is inexpensive, works well and gives me a good reputation in my new neighbourhood!

“I really like that it has no emissions and promotes a quiet community. It's healthy to use too because I only breathe fresh air when pushing instead of gasoline exhaust. I have to admit that I still get sentimental at the smell of fresh-cut lawn and exhaust fumes, but I'll get over it. Soon the whir of push-mower blades will stir my imagination.”

Available at Canadian Tire stores.

Yearning for some Fair Trade sweetness? Click here to learn more about Fair Trade chocolate.