Members of the Social Justice League

Social Justice League Sponsors Fair Trade Fair

Posted on May 8, 2008 - Permalink
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The Social Justice League recently sponsored a Fair Trade Fair in the Commuter Café to present students with information about socially and environmentally conscious products sold by local companies.

Equal Exchange and The Rockin' K Café, located in West Bridgewater and Bridgewater, respectively. were two of the participating companies, and SJL President Josh Warren, '08, said involving merchants from the area boosted student interest.

"They know that it's in their community," he said. "It's in their backyard and they don't have to go searching."

Fair-trade products on display included sweatshop-free clothing, organic soaps, and hand-made crafts from Honduras. Keeping in step with the college's sustainability efforts, Mr. Warren said his group is hoping to bring many of these alternative consumer products to BSC.

"It's the next logical step," he said.

Fair trade is a growing international movement that advocates fair payment for the producers of goods and the upholding of certain other social and environmental standards in the procurement of products.

The SJL was founded just three semesters ago by a handful of students who have since found support from enthusiastic faculty members, such as, Dr. Michelle Wakin, an assistant professor of sociology and Sustainability Center coordinator, and Dr. James Hayes-Bohanan, chairman of the geography department, and a supporter of fair-trade coffee production.

Jill Miceli, '08, who along with Bria Wilbur, '09, and Mr. Warren organized the fair trade event, said she looks at the Fair Trade Fair as an educational tool for students.

"It's their opportunity now to take it a step further," she said. (Robert Matheson, Office of Institutional Communications)