Adventures in China

                                                                           

Those of you who are familiar with our shop know that we carry lovely pearl and jade necklaces from China.  We were originally connected with the artist through our good friend, Pamela Larson (top photo), who is currently living in China with her husband and two daughters.  Pamela recently sent us the email below.  It was such a lovely story from across the globe we thought we'd share it with you too!              

                          

Hello lovely ladies of Small Planet Trading,                                                              

   

I was so fortunate to have the most amazing experience. I work in an art group which meets in the private gallery of a famous Chinese sculptor, Xu Hongfei (wearing glasses in photo above). He invited us to join him for the weekend for an art installation in a 1000 year old village of the Chinese minority group, the Yao People (related to the mountain peoples of Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand)!!!! We went in a convoy 5 hours north to this village in the mountains. Four large trucks carried his over life-size sculptures! It was such a sight to see!

The village is very poor and the people live basically as they have for hundreds of years, except for the cell phones!  They dress day to day in traditional clothes and for the celebration, wear their special ceremonial clothes!  When we arrived, the men came to help carry the sculptures and place them around the village.  It was amazing to see these sculptures in their mountainous landscape with the ancient village!!!

My fellow art-friend from Germany and I were among the three foreigners there. The rest of the bus load of Xu Hongfei's friends and associates were Chinese, with many artsy-fartsy types, a camera crew making a documentary, and the local Gouangzhou News TV crew!  Many Chinese treat the minority people in a strange way, almost like zoo creatures.  They went up to them, indicated they wanted a photo, and then left.  No thank you, no connection.  Me, (being my shy self!), went up to the villagers with tons of questions in my bad Chinese, about their clothes, art, children.  It was great!  They were so warm and interested. Most of them had never seen a Westerner except on TV!!!!!  I was so inquisitive and friendly that I made many friends who then poured gifts on me!  These people live in poverty yet were so generous!!!  One woman, after discussing her gorgeous outfit, took it off and gave it to me!!!  She would not take anything in return!  She wanted to show that the Yao People are generous peaceful people!  Then a man I chatted with gave my the sacred swan feather out of his headdress!  I was floored!  I found the leader of the village and said I want to give something to his village.  I suggested money for the school.  He said that would be great since many of the desks are broken and they do not have enough paper, pencils, etc.  My German friend wanted to give to, so the next day the village leader introduced us to the headmaster of the school and we gave him roughly $60 US which to them is a fortune.  The TV crew got wind of this and came over and filmed us, a translator translated and it was quite a big deal!  

The next afternoon, all the villagers dressed in their special outfits and the govt. officials came, dances were performed, speeches were given.  It was a sight to behold!  It was amazing and I wanted to share this with you.  Here are a few photos to illustrate their outfits and the art of Xu Hongfei in the village.

This experience humbled me, as well as excited me and expanded my knowledge of the world.  

with love
pamela

Fair Trade Free Shipping!

Kick off the holidays Fair Trade style, make a purchase at our online shop between now and 12/6, use the coupon code KICKOFF and we'll give you Free Shipping! 

Web Shop Launch

It's official-- check out the just launched web store for Small Planet Trading.  Now if you can't make it in to the store, you can still get your Small Planet favorites.  We'll be adding more items, so check back often.  We thank you for telling your friends and helping us spread the word.

Want the latest news? Here's our Holiday Newsletter  News, events, Win a Shopping Spree, and even a recipe for your holiday table.

Day 40 - We made it!

The last day of Fair Trade month!  Thank you for playing along.  Our final Scavenger Hunt clue is below.  One reminder - today we're open from 10-2 and for these 4 hours we're offering a special 40% off anything in the shop for our loyal followers.  Come in and tell us that you have celebrated "40 Days of Fair Trade" and the discount is yours! 

Clue of the Day:  I come from Latin America and have been described as exquisite, intensely rich, to be savoured and indulged.

Prize:  Win me!

Winner: Jacque Johnson, new friend from the recent Chamber Coffee Clatter, wins Equal Exchange's delicious Drinking Chocolate! 

Day 39

We're almost there - two more chances to win a prize!  

Clue of the Day:  I come from the East and make a great companion for meditation, therapy, massage, &  space clearing. 

Prize:  Tea of your choice!

Winner: Emily Bishop searched long & hard and found the coin under one of our singing bowls from Nepal.  We of course celebrated her discovery with a resonating tone!

Day 38

Just a couple more scavenger hunts left in our 40 Days of Fair Trade

Don't miss out

Clue of the Day:  From bringing the news to bringing self reflection.  A recycled paper mirror from Vietnam

Prize:  A bag of Equal Exchange coffee of your choice

Winner: Kim Zanmiller

Come hunt in the full of fun store

Day 37 already?  We had such a fun trip yesterday and now the store is stocked full of new furniture from Tropical Salvage.  Come in today to play the Scavenger Hunt and be the first to see it all.

Clue of the Day:  I used to grow tall to bring you sweet treats, now I'm all boxed up.  The answer:  A Cocao Box from Tropical Salvage.

Prize:  A bar of Fair Trade Chocolate

Winner: Kathy Thomas

Pdx Fair Trade

Once or twice a year we take a day to network with other Fair Traders in Portland, see what's new on the shelves of Pdx Fair Trade shops, bring home new inventory, and enjoy a meal in the city.  In short we spend the day refreshing our Fair Trade energies, chatting together about the big vision, settle a few of the nitty gritty details of the upcoming season, and have fun!

Today is one of those days and we have a lot planned!  These are the four businesses we'll be meeting up with.  Tropical Salvage (sustainable furniture from Asia), Bambootique and Global Sistergoods (both offering gifts galore from Latin America, Africa, & Asia) are all three Portland based and have inventory at Small Planet.  The fourth, Global Exchange was originally established in San Francisco and does a huge amount of education work on Fair Trade including Reality Travel trips.  They've recently moved their headquarters to Portland and have a shop on Hawthorne.  I encourage you to check out all four websites and follow their blogs.  If you happen to see any merchandise you'd like to find in  Hood River or on our soon to be launched online shop - let us know!

And, by the way, for lunch we're heading to friend Beth at Bambootique's favorite Thai spot  Pok Pok .  The menu looks fabulous!  We'll be sure to give you a full report of our adventures and culinary choices tomorrow!


Karen

Scavenger Hunt held over

No one found the coin yesterday-- don't worry, it's not that well hidden even.  And free chocolate, come on, you can do it!  Come in today and play the Fair Trade hunt with us.

Clue of the Day:  From trash to displaying your treasures.  And the answer is a picture frame from Brazil made out of recycled toothpaste tubes and chip bags. 

Prize:  Chocolate of your choice

Winner: Summer Rector

Day 33

No winner yesterday so our clue rolled over into today & chocolate added to the prize!

Clue of the Day: I love hanging around and spreading prosperity.

The Prize: Fair Trade Almonds from Equal Exchange

Winner:  Won Kim from Parkdale found the coin behind the hanging string of Prosperity Hens from India!  

Day 32

Clue of the Day: I love hanging around and spreading prosperity. 

The Prize: Fair Trade Almonds from Equal Exchange!

Day 31

Scavenger Hunt Clue of the Day:  Songbirds enjoy winter because I grow in the shade of trees.

Prize:  Win me

Winner:  Congratulations Trish Kepple who found the coin under a bag of shade grown coffee

Fair trade Fun Day 30

Scavenger Hunt clue of the day:  From South Africa to Hood River to add fun and organization to your day.  The answer is a messenger bag.

Prize:  Tea of your choice

Winner: Christine Poniewozik from Pendleton

Day 29--

Have some local fun today-- we'll be hitting the pumpkin patch and farm stand for apples and pears.  See you tomorrow for another scavenger hunt.

Day 28

Clue of the Day: I may not be fast but I love to get around spreading goodwill and love. 

Winner:   Mitzy Green found the clue today and won a sweet little three legged Good Luck Pig, a Chanchito from Pomaire, Chile

Day 27

Clue of the Day: Popular, sparkley, colorful -  perfect for a party or to accesorize a costume! 

Answer:   Jangle Bangles from India - back in stock after a long hiatus! 

Price:  Equal Exchange Chocolate

Winner:  Sue Wanner from White Salmon, WA

Day 26

Clue of the Day:  I love to play and snuggle and was made by Burmese Refugees in Thailand. 



Prize:  Bag of Coffee


Answer: Handcrafted Doll


Winner:  Jessica Gerlitz!

Day 25

Clue of the Day: Created in the Lencan tradition - in modern form.  Try me on!


Answer:  Ceramic necklace made in Honduras

Winner:   Julie & Irie Tucker! 

Tarot Card Readings for Radio Tierra

 Don't miss the fun today as we raise money for Radio Tierra -- 25% off all sales will be donated to The Gorge's only low-power FM station and from 4:00-6:00 Anne Key will be in the shop for Tarot Card Readings-- Now that's some Fair Trade Fun.

40 Days of Fair Trade Fun Scavenger hunt

Clue of the Day:  They'll ask if it's ivory, you'll answer that it's plumbing.  Answer: Recycled water pipe bracelets from Namibia

Prize:  Chocolate bar of your choice

Winner:Hana of White Salmon

Day 23 of Fair Trade Fun

Don't miss out on the gift certificate sale-- you have until Sunday to get 25% off future purchases.  Buy a $125 certificate for only $100.  No, you don't have to give it as a gift unless you want to-- gift yourself!

Scavenger Hunt Clue of the Day: One of the Fairest deals going for Palestinians.    Canaan Fair Trade Olive Oil-- Yum!

Prize:  Win me!

Winner: Wendy Gray

Dry Skin? Try Shea Butter

Whenever the climate shifts I find myself reaching for my tin of shea butter a few times a day.  Whether to moisturize my hands, smooth a dab under my eyes when my face feels tight, or rub into the nape of my neck I love it's natural, slightly nutty scent and rich moisturizing properties.

I also love it's story.  Shea butter comes from the seeds of wild shea trees in the wood and fields of the savanna of central and northern Togo, Africa.   Considered one of the world's most sustainable resources, Shea tress grow naturally without the need for irrigation, fertilizer and pesticides.  Efforts to create shea tree plantations have not been successful and shea butter remains a wild product.  Shea butter is harvested and produced by hand.  The lbor intensive process involves walking miles a day to collect nuts, drying and cracking the nuts, extracting the kernals and finally crafting the butter.  Our Shea Butter comes to us from the Agbanga Karite Cooperative, a group of mostly women who control the harvest, production and export of their shea butter to ensure compliance with Fair Trade criteria and organic standards.

Shea Butter has been a mainstay of African skin care for centuries.  As the Agbanga Karite website states, "unrefined shea butter contains an abundance of healing ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, proteins and a unique fatty acid profile, and is a superior active moisturizer. Unlike petroleum based moisturizers, shea butter actually restores the skin's natural elasticity. Shea butter enables your skin to absorb moisture from the air, and as a result, it becomes softer and stays moisturized for longer. In addition, shea butter has natural sunscreen properties and anti-inflammatory agents. Perhaps it is most effective when applied to the skin in its pure state. Regular users of pure, unrefined shea butter notice softer, smoother, healthier skin."

Purchasing Fair Trade Shea Butter supports the preservation of an age old sustainable African resource, provides equitable and steady income for village women in Togo, and is a lovely way to moisturize and heal your skin. 

Karen

Gift Certificate Sale

Now through Sunday, October 18th you can purchase a $125 Gift Certificate for just $100.  That's a 25% savings on your future purchases. 

You get great savings on your holiday fair trade shopping!
We get the cash influx to be fully stocked for the season!

How to buy?  Come in the shop, call us with a credit card, or email us for a paypal invoice. 

Thank you for joining in our creative endeavors to bring Fair Trade to the Gorge and survive and thrive as a socially responsible and sustainable business!

Day 20 of Fair Trade Fun

Scavenger Hunt Clue:  Now I'm a chic handbag, but I started life as a grass.

Prize: Tea of your choice

Winner: Milan DeHart of The Dalles

Day 19

Clue of the Day:  A traditional vessel for a pick me up.

Prize: 20% off of your purchase

Winner: Katie Fraser from Seattle

Day 18

Scavenger Hunt clue of the Day:  A little sweet, a little spice -- just right for a cool fall night.

Answer & Prize - Spicy Hot Cocoa from Equal Exchange

Winner: Lindsey Hagen from Ancourage, AK!

Day 17

Scavenger Hunt Clue of the Day:  I help make meditation comfortable.  Zafu's from Nepal

Prize:  Free bar of chocolate

Winner: Libby Taylor of Hood River

Day 16 of 40 Days of Fair Trade Fun

Back to our scavenger hunt--

Clue of the day: In my first life I was in advertising.

Answer: Messenger and cosmetic bags made from banners in Brazil

Prize of the day:  Free bag of Coffee

Winner: Amber from Hood River

Day 15-- a fair trade for Guatemalan kids

What do gorgeous weaving, a clown, street kids and Oregon City have in common?  The connections made through Fair Trade, compassion and creativity.

The story of the Ruth y Nohemi weaving cooperative is one I love to tell. 

Ruth y Nohemi is a weaving cooperative located in Chontola, near Chichicastenango, Guatemala. In the late 1970s Pastor Diego Chicoj Ramos was appointed as a layman worker in the villages surrounding Chichicastenango. This area experienced some of the worst violence associated with the nation’s civil war, and Diego’s ability to work with the villagers was severely hindered during this time. When he was finally able to visit the villages of Chichicastenango after the war, he found that many women had lost their husbands in a raid on the church of Chontala.

Diego and his wife Juana dedicated themselves to helping the local women rebuild their lives. In 1986, the Ruth y Nohemi project was officially founded as a way for women to organize and market their handicrafts. Now more than 15 widows weave bright lengths of cloth on backstrap looms, and young men, trained as tailors, sew the cloth into finished products such as vests, bags, wallets and briefcases. These craftspeople are determined to ensure the survival of their families, their village and their culture, which they represent with the brightly woven floral designs in their textiles.

We sell bags, scarves, and toys made by this inspiring cooperative.  Typical Fair Trade story, except that these amazing goods come to us by way of a committed group of volunteers in Oregon City who use the proceeds of the sales to support a day school in Guatemala City.  Here is their story.

Just one of the many reasons I love bringing Small Planet Trading to you.  DeLona

Day 14 of 40 days of Fun

Scavenger Hunt

Clue of the Day:  I can help you send out blessings to the universe.  Prize:  Win me!

Answer:  Tibetan Prayer Flags from Nepal

Winner: Angel Green of Hood River

Four Years!!

It's our Anniversary and we're having a store wide sale


Come in Today and Tomorrow and Spin for your Discount-- You are guaranteed at least 14% off and it could be 24%, 34%, 44% or even 54% off!

Scavenger Hunt Clue for Sunday: 

I'm soft, useful and one of a kind

Prize:  Equal Exchange Snack of Your Choice

Winner:  Hope Ryan from Boise, ID

Scavenger Hunt Clue of the Day for Saturday: 

I tell a story of village life. 

Prize:  Box of Tea - your choice

Winner: Madison Hannah discovered the gold coin behind this Zimbabwe Tapestry created by Sarudzai Shonge!!

It's First Friday

We're kicking off the weekend this Friday at 5pm with the guitar tunes of John Mendez!

From 6-8pm Joshua & Priscilla Benavides join us to chat about their
coaching program, upcoming Community Ed. classes and share yummy raw
food goodies!

For twelve years, this local brother and sister team have been studying and teaching cutting-edge nutrition and lifestyle transformation technologies.  As Health Counselors certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, both have worked with psychotherapists, health coaches, massage therapists, and yoga practitioners to balance and vitalize their nutrition and lifestyle and explode their capacity to love and take care of themselves, their bodies, and their lives.

Day 11 of our 40 Days of Fair Trade

Clue of the day: I'm an heirloom and I protect farmers livelihoods.

Prize of the day:  Eighth Wonder Heirloom Rice

Winner: Nicole White

Check out this video on indigenous, sustainable rice cultivation in the Philippines.  The terrace farming photos are amazing!  Certainly gave me a new appreciation for the blessings energy and cultural preservation that goes into the growing and harvesting of this age old rice! ~ Karen

Day 10 of our 40 Days of Fair Trade

No one found the clue yesterday-- so we're doubling the prize for today.  Come in, find today's clue and get 40% off your purchase.  Also, if you correctly guess yesterday's clue, I'll give you chocolate.  

Clue of the day: Healthy, tasty and I protect Rain Forest trees

Prize of the day: 40% off your purchase

Winner: Carolie Howard

Plus today is Common Good Thursday.  Today we are featuring Kiva.  25% off all sales today will be loaned to an entrepreneur somewhere in the world.

Scavenger Hunt

Day 9 of our 40 Days of Fair Trade

Clue of the day: Useful and pretty, once used to connect communications.

Prize of the day:  Free bar of Chocolate

Winner: Amy Fleischer

Fair Trade FAQ's for Day 8

We're off today, so here's some reading for you.

The link takes you to the Fair Trade Resource Network -- a favorite non-profit of ours. 

You'll get the basics of Fair Trade and can click around for many more resources.  See you Wednesday for the next scavenger hunt clue.

Which Day?

We may be a bit off on our count of the days, but the fun hasn't stopped.  We held over the last scavenger hunt clue because no one on Saturday knew that buying Fair Trade Chocolate is one great way to reduce the slave trade.

Check out this short video on Planet Green from Emeril about Fair Trade Chocolate

Day 6 of Fair Trade Fun

Today DeLona & I are having our fun at a retreat surrounded by old growth and good friends. The shop is closed but we're keeping the Fair Trade love flowing with this link to Dee's current favorite tune! Turn up the volume and grab a dance partner!

Karen

Scavenger Hunt Day 5

Day 5 of our 40 Days of Fair Trade

Clue of the day: The simplest step to stop slavery. Find the 40 Day Coin under this item.

Prize of the day: Equal Exchange Chocolate Bar of Choice!

Winner: Kate Fox

Scavenger Hunt Day 4

Day 4 of our 40 Days of Fair Trade

Clue of the day: Rodin inspired the technique used to create this item. Find the 40 Days gold coin underneath!

Prize of the day: 1 lb. of Fair Trade Coffee

Winner: Mary Trowbridge

Day 3 Fair Trade Fun

Day 3 of our 40 Days of Fair Trade

Clue of the day: A local couple is involved in the creation of this product from The Philippines!

Prize of the day: A box of Equal Exchange Tea - Green, Rooibos, Chai - you choose!

Winner: Julie Raefield Gobbo - found the coin under a Detours Lunch Box made from recycled juice pouches by a women's cooperative in The Philippines.

Day 2 of Fair Trade Fun

Day 2 of our 40 Days of Fair Trade

First day of the scavenger hunt.

Clue of the day: This Fair Trade Product is grown in the USA

Be the first to come in to the shop, find the Fair Trade Coin and win

Prize of the day: A chocolate bar of your choice

Winner: Erika Doring found the 40 Days Coin under a bag of Tamari Roasted Almonds!

40 Days of Fair Trade

40 Days of Fair Trade Fun

Join us as we countdown 40 days celebrating Fair Trade.
October is Fair Trade month-- so we could just count down through 31 days, but this year is special. I've got 40 Days until I turn 40 and I'm on a personal journey of Fun-- so I'm taking you along.

We'll update the countdown here daily. You can follow us, or become a fan on facebook, or a follower on twitter to get the daily updates. Or just check back each day.

All 40 Days - 25% off all of our Equal Exchange products. Come in and stock up on chocolate, tea, coffee and snacks.

In-store Scavenger Hunts start Wednesday (Day 2)

Day #1 -- Since we're closed today and you can't come see us. Check out this video about Fair Trade

Shop for the Cure

The fact that we haven't posted to the blog since the first day of summer says a lot about how that season went for Karen and I. But here we are in the last week, with the feeling of Fall in the morning air, ready for a new season.

Nineteen years ago today my mom, Lona Hattenhauer Davis, died at age 45 of Breast Cancer. This is one of those facts of my life -- the meaning and effect of which changes with the years. As I approach my 40th birthday in a few short weeks, I can't help but think about how it was for her to get her first diagnosis at that age. She had health insurance, family support, amazing sisters and friends. So many others are not so "lucky." I also can't help thinking that we still can't cure this disease. Dear friends die of it each year.

As you can imagine, I am approached for financial support from every major cancer non-profit. Through the years I find myself rather ambivalent about the various nation-wide efforts for a cure. It's not that I don't think they do a fine job, I'm sure they do many important things. But while my loss is similar to others, it's of course unique to me and I just don't relate to a large cancer organization.

But for the past 14 years, I have supported the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Race for the Cure. Why? Many years it's nice to go to the Race and be part of a huge crowd and feel the solidarity of people who also understand on many different levels. It's a day to write the names of the people I miss-Lona Hattenhauer Davis, Rosalie Wiley Hattenhauer, Fern Spaeth. And those of the people who I am so glad to still have around- Marilyn Hattenhauer Fisk, Kay Smith, Amy Mann, Gretchen Williver. And many others. It's like the equivalent of yelling "Presente!" They are still with us!

Why this foundation? Mostly because I know that a good chunk of my donation stays local. My favorite local health program is Nuestra Comunidad Sana. Maria Antonia Sanchez is a treasure to our Gorge communities. Her two decades of dedication as a Health Promoter have meant that a whole generation of people have grown up with better access to health information and support. And the Susan G. Komen Foundation supports NCS and Tona's work with low-income Latina women in the Gorge. It's the kind of thing my mom would have loved.

So this Thursday we'll feature the Susan G. Komen foundation for our Common Good Thursday. Come in, shop, and we'll donate 25% of the total sales. And you can write the names of the people you love who have been touched by Breast Cancer on our memory poster. --DeLona








My lovely mom Lona

Musings on creativity

Creativity is an amazing thing. I've been thinking about it a lot lately. I've never felt like a particularly creative person. I mean, sure, I write, but that has never felt the same as painting, or creating a sculpture, or the way my kids can seem to make something unique out of any scrap they find. Then I decided to join a group doing The Artist Way. Well, not really join, since I didn't make even one meeting, but I did the program on my own. It's a 12-week program for recovering creativity. I was several weeks into it before it really clicked that I am creative-- yes, I write and I play music, but even more, launching and maintaining Small Planet Trading is a daily act of creation and creativity.

Still I don't often feel very creative, so I surround myself with the creativity of others. This week I've been marveling at all of the amazing local artists that are willing to take this journey with us.

The following artists live in the Columbia Gorge and are currently offering their creativity to you in the shop-- We are very grateful to each of them. DeLona

Cynthia Caudill (Hood River) -- diaper covers, bags, wallets
Marilyn Fisk(The Dalles) -- soaps, candles
Lana Jack (Celilo) -- jewelry
Fred Whitford (Celilo) -- dream catchers, jewelry, stones
Earl Paul(Hood River)-- butterflies and hummingbirds
Jan Copeland(The Dalles)- art, cards and bookmarks
Kim Stolte (Hood River) -- Swaddlekeepers
Camilla Bishop (Hood River) - 3 Flowers Healing
Victor Johnson (The Dalles) - kid's music
Graham Bergh (Mosier) -- cool products from old bikes
Norman Vance(Hood River)-- walking sticks
Mary Lou Lee(North Bonneville)-- cards
Lisa Selfridge (HR - sometimes) -- photography
Chris Emerson(Hood River)-- jewelry
Moi Wong(Parkdale)-- jewelry
Karen Murphy-Mendez (Hood River) -- salves and balms
Diane Cumins(Mosier)-- wood and gourd art
Craig and Tamiko Graffius(Hood River)-- Ecoglass Straws
Erika Doring (Hood River)-- jewelry
Catherine Bordner(Hood River)-- gourds and baskets
Rita Kruse White(Underwood)--"Anik the Unique Alpaca" book
Susan Svensson(Hood River)-- She Who Watches bags
Grandpa Dennis (The Dalles) -- wood toys and drop spindles
Jennifer Cassella(Odell)-- gift bags
Sue Wanner(White Salmon)-- flax packs and bags
Wendy Gray(Mt. Hood)-- Sustainably grown Flowers
Mary Caldwell(The Dalles)-- glass art

Business on the Edge

In permaculture it's recognized that life on the edge of an ecosystem supports an increased level of biodiversity. In the space where the meadow and the forest meet the unique ecosystems of both intermingle. You find meadow plants and critters, forest plants and critters and a third group of 'meadow meets forest' plants and critters all mixing it up. Native plants and "weeds" generally have a better chance of survival on the edges of yards, gardens, orchards, parks, playgrounds and schoolyards creating habitat spots for all kinds of insects and wildlife and as all kids know the most interesting spots for exploring.

The same phenomena happens on the edges of communities and neighborhoods where new residents bump up against old timers. Generally newcomers of different cultures and languages join the fringes, geographically and metaphorically before they join the mainstream at the center.

The same holds true in commercial and business sectors. Businesses found on main street nearly always cater most obviously to the mainstream and status quo. That's not to say you can't find main street business doing it right and going green - there happen to be a handful of independent businesses taking steps to go the sustainable route on the main drag in my home town. But chances are you are more likely to find the funky, pushing the envelope type business and a higher diversity of unique businesses one or two blocks of the the main drag.

Not coincidentally that happens to be where we find ourselves, a fair trade import shop a block down the road from where most of the downtown action happens. And though we absolutely aspire to be on main street some day, geographically and metaphorically, we do appreciate our lower rent and funkier neighbors. Both of which inspire us to do business our way - cooperatively and sustainably connecting the local with the global.

Karen

Drumming and Fun for WFTD

World Fair Trade Day was a blast

We drummed, drank tea and coffee, ate chocolate, and learned why Fair Trade makes such a difference to artists and farmers around the world.

Small Planet Trading had twice as many people sign in as part of the world record break as we did last year. Thanks to all of you for participating with us. Big thanks to Eric Lindsay for leading the drum circle.

We'll keep you up to date with results from the day around the country as they come in.

Enjoy a few of our photos and a short video clip of the fun.

Join us in the shop this Saturday
11:00 Drum Circle,
12:00 Coffee, Tea, & Chocolate Break!
Storewide Sale all weekend
Prizes, fun, break the world record

WFTD 2009 - Everything Is Better When It’s Fair

Saturday, May 9, 2009, is World Fair Trade Day, an international celebration of Fair Trade, with events taking place in over 80 countries. In the U.S., our theme is “Everything Is Better When It’s Fair”. The lives of producers and consumers are better because of Fair Trade. When we support Fair Trade, we not only support the people who make the items we consume and enjoy, we also support the environment, women’s rights, children’s rights, cultural dignity and peace building. That’s a powerful thing to do by choosing to buy Fair Trade products.

The theme also reminds us that Fair Trade is more than coffee, chocolate and handcrafts. Americans can now enjoy Fair Trade sugar, bananas, rice, soccer balls, flowers, wine and more! Retail sales in the U.S. of Fair Trade products surpassed $1 billion per year.

Read more about WFTD 2009 at the Fair Trade Resource Network.

Our pledge to you

It's Earth Day, the weather is finally feeling a bit spring like here in The Gorge, so we're in a mood to celebrate. Saturday we'll be taking some of our favorite eco-friendly items down the block to the Hood River Earth Day festival.

But for me, as I know it is for most of you, Earth Day is just one more day in the year to consider my impact on the Earth and my relationship to it. So I thought I'd share Small Planet Trading's updated Sustainability Pledge. We made the pledge in 2006 on our first Earth Day celebration as a shop and each year we review, revise and renew our commitment to our vision of a sustainable business and community. We welcome your input, ideas and suggestions for how we can continue to deepen our plege.

Small Planet Trading

Sustainability Pledge

April 22, 2006 Updated April 2009

Sustainable Practices

We reuse and recycle paper products and packing materials, compost food scraps, and purchase office supplies that contain recycled and recyclable content. We use washable mugs and utensils on our sample table and provide compostable cups and napkins for take aways sampling.

Local Economy

We support local currency by accepting and spending RiverHours. We support local artists and producers by providing shelf space for locally crafted items.

Healthy Planet

We support international and local artists who implement eco-friendly practices. We stock inventory that helps us live lighter on the Earth and provide customer education to that end.

We participate in the Green Merchant Alliance and support sustainable energy choices through our merchant processing services.

We will work towards off-setting carbon emissions on our imported inventory by donating to tree planting and reforestation projects.

Stronger Community Ties

We connect with, refer to and collaborate with other local businesses and projects. Through our Common Good Thursday program, we raise awareness and funds for local non-profits and groups. We support youth work experience and mentor young social entrepreneurs.

We will work towards offering Fair Trade education and curriculum ideas to local schools.

Meaningful Employment

We have a lot of fun in our business. We will continue to run our business cooperatively. We will continue to provide a child-friendly work environment.

We will work towards compensating all staff with a living wage.

Fair Trade Big Bang!

We've always wanted to attend the Fair Trade Federation's annual conference. What's not to like about a weekend full of inspiration and fun? So far it had been a dream for a day when our budget more closely matched our wish list. Then this year the conference came to us! Well, not literally, but it came to Portland. Obviously a sign that we were meant to be there.

It was everything we had hoped: inspiring speakers, useful workshops, meeting new friends and connecting with old. We took away so much to ponder and process that we haven't taken the time to really share with you yet. We did take photos, hoping to post them and let them speak for us, but somehow they all came out just a bit off-- usually my eyes were closed. So I'll have to give you a few highlights.

• Being surrounded by other business people who love what they do, are committed to changing the world through their enterprises, and willingly share their experience and expertise.
• Finally putting faces to the names of the wonderful people who run the Fair Trade Federation and Fair Trade Resource Network.
• Hearing the stories of artisan groups from around the world and how Fair Trade really does improve their lives.
• Gathering ideas for everything from marketing to accounting, from communicating with customers to planning unique events.
• Expanding our already large wish list of products to bring to you.
• Buying and ordering wonderful new goods that we know you'll enjoy.
  

New in the shop because of the conference:
Shona Sculpture from Zimbabwe
Heirloom Rice from the Philippines
Recycled paper beaded jewelry from Uganda
Tagua Nut, Coconut, and Seed Jewelry from South America
Dolls and toys from around the world

Coming soon-- Silver jewelry from Mexico and musical instruments from JamTown.

Next year the Fair Trade conference is in Boston. It seems a long way off and a long way away, but we're already working on how to get there. We'll have to work a bit harder next time, but now we know just how worth it it will be.
DeLona

The Ripple Effect

My parents live on Whidbey Island and we enjoy a week's vacation on the island two times a year. In the past I've always enjoyed perusing the small local shops - much as many folks do here in Hood River while visiting the Gorge. Though with my strict budget in mind I've rarely spent money, that is, until the last year or two.

I think it's the perspective of running a retail business of my own that has inspired me to increase my small purchasing. There is nothing quite so discouraging for a small retail shop than to have customer after customer come in, tell you how much they love it, make a request or two about inventory and then leave without a purchase.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about the beloved local regulars who intentionally shop with us and also come by just to say hi once in while. And the last thing I want is for someone to make a token purchase of something they really don't need nor want. But what I've recognized in myself - when I'm on the other end of the counter - is a desire to support small business. And when I'm in a retail shop that is working to create a lovely little niche for itself and speaks to me in one way or another I can support that effort with a purchase. In my case, it's often a small purchase - a gift for a friend, or relative, a bar of chocolate, a book I can enjoy and pass along.

And here's the interesting part. As I walk out of the shop - I feel good! Most cases I'm still being frugal - not an over the top purchase for my budget. Often it's for someone else - that feels great anticipating their future enjoyment. And I've supported a local shop that I really hope will continue to be there when next I come this way again.

I used to think - how will my one little drop in the bucket make a difference? As a retailer I now know that the ripples of one little purchase, on top of another little purchase, followed by another little purchase create a great deal of difference in the expansion of abundance and prosperity both literally and figuratively.

Karen

March 27-29 the Fair Trade Federation will celebrate it's 15th birthday at it's annual national conference in Portland! And even more exciting to us - DeLona and I will be there! Though we attended the Green Business Conference in San Francisco a few years back since then we've poured all our time, energy and earnings back into the shop. However since the D.C. based organization is travelling all this way to convene in Oregon we couldn't pass of the opportunity to join the fun.

We're looking forward to tapping into the knowledge, inspiration, and experience of the larger Fair Trade movement! We'll also be networking with other small green business retailers and wholesalers. Our hope is to earn enough over the next couple weeks in the shop to be able to bring in some new inventory from fresh new Fair Trade connections made at the conference!

No doubt we'll be sharing some of our conference adventures here later this month!

Karen