One of the best things to come out of Memphis, TN is Ugly Mug Coffee. Well, that’s reason number one I’m blogging this, but there are a few other cool reasons as well.
Silent Night Elvis Signature Coffee is Fair Trade and organic.
Plus, with Ugly Mug decaf, you can’t go wrong. I know many of you, including Jennifer, are shaking your heads, saying decaf isn’t real coffee. But, please trust me on this. Ugly Mug makes real decaf, and they aren’t paying me to say that. It’s what I drink whenever I have coffee. Well, not the Elvis blend. I …read more

Fair Trade empowers people around the world. It helps the very poor, but it is not charity.
When you purchase a Fair Trade product, you’re making the choice to help prevent or amend poverty in many places of the world. Not only that, but Fair Trade promotes environmental sustainability and safe, healthy workplaces.

Choosing Fair Trade sends a very clear message that you care about the working conditions of those who grew or manufactured your product. You’re saying you want to stamp out the poverty of those who’ve been putting up with meager pay and deplorable working conditions for far too long.
Please …read more

Spooky Foils

Halloween Milk Chocolate Foils from Divine Chocolate (a farmer-owned Fair Trade company)
 
Handmade Streamers

Papel Picado Mexican Streamers from Global Exchange (Fair Trade online store)
 
Wonderful Flavors

Phinney Chocolate Bars by Theo in Lots of Flavors (Fair Trade milk and dark chocolate bars – check out all the varieties)
Are you considering Fair Trade chocolate treats this Halloween? 
Images via Divine Chocolate, Global Exchange and Theo as noted above.
Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in September 2008

Earlier, we talked about our Summer Surprise Contest. Regular Tree Hugging Family reader Liz won CHANGE a starter kit. This prize was donated by rocklovepeace, a group started by two musicians and friends, Del and Melanie.
The starter kit is intended to help recipients take stock of their personal well-being and their impact on the world.
Here’s what’s included with CHANGE: a starter kit –
•Handmade, one-of-a-kind recycled tote bag
•Seedling from The Arbor Day Foundation
•Handmade, treeless journal and recycled pencil
•CFL (light bulb)
•Fair Trade hot chocolate from Equal Exchange
•Sudoku booklet (These puzzles can decrease memory decline and energize your brain.)
•Three gratitude cards

•Envelope addressed …read more

It’s time for a CHANGE. Today marks the changing of seasons to summer, and we’re celebrating with a surprise contest. The winner didn’t even know she entered.
Surprise Liz!
You won CHANGE: a starter kit. We’ll talk more about what’s in it coming up soon, but why a surprise contest?
Jennifer and I wanted to surprise one of the participants in this month’s Reusable Bag Challenge with a special gift. We’d also like to thank rocklovepeace for sponsoring this surprise contest.
Here are Liz’s recent comments:
On BYOB Challenge Update
Ugh! Not so great! I’m at 8 bags. I can’t believe how bad I’ve been about …read more

World Fair Trade Day is Saturday, May 10. I’m not saying we should only pay attention to fair trade one day a year, but hey — join the international celebration and buy a Fair Trade product this weekend.
This year’s theme for World Fair Trade Day is ecology. That seems like a good theme since Fair Trade products are often environmentally responsible as well as socially responsible.
Learn more at the Fair Trade Federation.
Logo via World Fair Trade Day.

It’s that time of year again. Time to start thinking… Valentine Day Gifts!
This year think green. This way you can show your loved ones a little sugar, and still give the earth a big kiss too.
Our first stop is Taraluna – I’ve been a little obsessed with them lately, so it’s a good place to start. Taraluna is an organic-based, fair trade, non-toxic lovin’ company. Family owned too. If you don’t see anything here; no worries. This upcoming week we’ll look at some more green minded gifts as well.
For everyone:
Vegan Nuts & Chews Valentine Box: Of course we need a …read more