Eat Organic Foods Because Gwyneth Paltrow does

Just kidding. Doing something just because Gwyneth Paltrow does it too is not the best idea. But here’s a question that the Oxfamily gets asked often. Apart from health reasons, why should people other than incredibly wealthy and out of touch celebrities bother spending extra money on ethically produced foods when our contributions will probably not make such a difference in the big picture?

“Every time you spend money you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” This quote by Anna Lappe is the reason I personally think we should be educated and conscientious about what we buy. Being someone who says they care about the environment and social justice while not making an effort about it is just as ridiculous as being a member of the Green Party who drives out to the woods ever night in a SUV to start forest fires. This is because our economy runs on two principles that anyone who has gone to the first lecture of Econ will be able to tell you.
1. Our economy organizes itself based on supply and demand.
2. Everyone wants to maximize profits.

In relation to L.O.F.T foods, this means that if producers can see a visible demand for their products, they’ll make more of it. If there is more demand for L.O.F. T foods, companies that support this endeavor will continue to exist. In turn, there will more farmers with the ability to invest money back into their own communities, which helps their local economies thrive. More kids will be in school and there will be less greenhouse gases because of less transportation costs. Additionally, this mean you eat less pesticides, get less sick from animals that have been pumped so full of antibiotics and growth hormones that they are practically exploding.

Still, it’s true that the effects of buying ethical foods are not immediately visible. Though it would be nice, it’s not like the smogs in cities lift ever so slightly every time we buy an organic tomato. But perhaps the effects of many people supporting L.O.F.T foods are more obvious than you think. The healthy foods movement is definitely main-stream now. Think about it, in movies like 21 Jump Street (it’s so funny, go watch it), the cool kids are now the skinny “crunchy granola dudes” who have Eco-friendly transportation instead of jocks with sports cars. Who would’ve thought that would happen? Also, why else would so many plastic wrapped hot dogs claim to be made of “all natural ingredients”? Brands would not advertise to have organic or natural ingredients if they didn’t think it would help people would buy their stuff. It’s not all about food either – people are starting to care about what they wear. Now, it’s more than just random indie clothing brands that are supporting Fair Trade. Think about how popular American Apparel is, or the fact that not too long ago, Stella McCartney (the brand) joined the Ethical Trading Initiative. The reason brands publicize that they do this is because they recognize how the values of the world is changing, and they are adjusting themselves to cater to what we demand.

P.S. Guess what? Fair Trade has existed since 1988, and it’s going to stick around because we want it to.

– Jennie 

Information borrowed from:

http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/what_is_fairtrade/history.aspx

http://www.stellamccartney.com/

http://www.goodreads.com/

10 000 Villages – Another Option for Fair Trade Christmas Presents!

          Are you looking to purchase ethical (and super beautiful) Christmas presents for your friends and loved ones? Of course, I would definitely recommend purchasing presents through Oxfam’s Unwrapped campaign, but that’s another blog post.

          So another wonderful option is 10 000 Villages. I love this organization – I have bought so many items at their various store locations throughout my lifetime, including picture frames, scarves, kitchen utensils, and jewelry, to name only a few examples.

          10 000 Villages recently traveled to Queen’s to do a 3-day sale in the Queen’s Center at the end of November. As I shopped, I was reminded again of the wonderful effect that this organization has on the lives of thousands of artisans all over the world. We are so grateful that the Queen’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders took the initiative to bring 10 000 Villages to Queen’s, and I know lots of people, including myself, who took advantage of the sale to purchase some holiday presents!

          This is 10 000 Villages’ website, which has lots of information about the organization, and even allows you to shop online! You can also find locations of the many 10 000 Villages stores all over Canada, including many in Ontario.

http://www.tenthousandvillages.ca

          So what exactly is 10 000 Villages? The website has detailed information about the organization, so I will just give you a super brief description of why I think that it is so wonderful. All the following information is taken directly from 10 000 Villages’ website.

          10 000 Villages is a FAIR TRADE non-profit organization, meaning that their primary goal is to help the artisans from whom they buy products earn a fair wage, not to maximize profits for the company. They have approximately 30 permanent stores in Canada, and they also travel all over the country for temporary sales, like when they came to Queen’s. The stores sell a huge variety of handicrafts produced by artisans all over the world.

          But wait, how is a “fair wage” actually determined? 10 000 Villages works with the artisans themselves and other residents in the community to determine how much the artisans deserve to be paid. This is a direct quote from the company’s website: “10 000 Villages buyers talk directly with artisan groups. They also talk with other organizations working in the country to learn how much other people in the community earn – farm workers, construction workers, teachers, etc. It is 10 000 Villages’ goal to ensure that an artisan’s basic needs for food, clothing, housing, medical care and children’s education are met.”

          One final quick fact: 10 000 Villages purchases products from 29 developing countries around the world. Also, the organization employs over 60 000 people that would otherwise likely be unemployed or underemployed!

          What a wonderful organization to support as you’re doing your holiday shopping!

Fair-Trade Exam Fuel

 Before university, the road to Winter break and all the wonderful things that Winter break brings along with it, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, was paved with homeroom parties and school dances. Yep, the journey to break was pumped full of excitement and bake goods. Those were the days eh? University is a different story. Now, the days before break are guarded by exams. An obstacle we must all overcome. And how do we do so? Usually by skipping our sleep, highlighting a lot Q-cards and most importantly pumping out bodies full of caffeine and snacks.

Now, I’m not here to tell you to start your essays early and get a full 8 hours of sleep… that would be nice but let’s get real. I want to focus on the food aspect and hopefully give you some tips you might actually take to heart.

Just because your sleep-deprived body is demanding food 24/7 doesn’t mean you have to throw your health and ethical conscious out the window! Here are some snacks that are healthiest and effective while studying and HOW to find them sold locally or under a Fair Trade certified brand.

The first on our list… the one we all can’t live without… Coffee! (Although, this applies to tea drinkers as well!) Caffeine can be great for those late nights and early mornings, and is a staple to every exam week. Coffee and Tea are one of the most commonly purchased Fair Trade items, and can found in most grocery stores. Just look for the Fair Trade logo before you make your purchase!

Secondly, almonds are the perfect snack for the between-meal munchies! They are good for you too, having tons of nutritional benefits. Almonds are sold by Fair Trade certified brands as well. Whether you prefer them chocolate covered, roasted or plain…Brands such as Camino, Just Us and Zaytoun are all Fair Trade ceritifed and sell the almonds you are craving!

Finally, fruit is always a good option when you are hungry but wanting to stay healthy. It can satisfy your sweet tooth or be part of your breakfast. Check out your local Farmer’s market for the fruit that is in season. Visiting and supporting your Farmer’s Market doubles as a fun study break!  If you’re looking for a fruit snack that will last, Camino sells dried fruit for great price.

I hope this brain food helps your studying go as smoothly as possible! Now stop reading this blog and start studying! (Well… maybe just get off Facebook… this blog can stay) because Winter break is right around the corner!

– Kathryn Blaikie

 

 

Seeing Snacks Differently

 

 Hello and welcome to the Fair Trade Co-operative, what can we help you with?

The Fair Trade Co-operative is the official destination for fairly traded goods sold at cost on Queen’s campus. Commonly referred to as the “Fair Trade Snack bar,” we are home to a wide range of products that are sure to entice any type of snacker.

 The Co-op is open Monday–Friday, 11:30-4:30 located at the Walkhome Booth in the lower level of the John Deutsch University Centre on Queen’s campus in Kingston, ON.

 The Snack bar is cool because it is run entirely by volunteers; with each volunteer having partial ownership of the Co-operative. This allows us to buy and sell at prices given directly from our suppliers.

We currently stock products from 4 companies, from all across Canada:

Camino products include delicious chocolate, coffee and baking supplies. The La Siembra Co-operative located in Ottawa, established in 1999, owns Camino and its line of Fairtrade certified products. They are industry pioneers as they worked with Fairtrade Canada to develop a certification system for cocoa, chocolate and sugar products. Camino sources ingredients from co-operatives of family farmers in 11 countries including Cuba, Guatemala, India and Peru.

 Just Us! is a Coffee Roasters Co-operative that has a range of delightful teas, coffee and chocolate made in Grand Pre, Nova Scotia. In 1995 a small group of friends set out with determination to become Canada’s first Fair Trade coffee roaster. Their mission, “People and the Planet before Profits,” is something everyone can appreciate and support.

 Yummy dried mango and tropical mix fruit comes from a company called Level Ground Trading in Vancouver, British Columbia. Their mission is to trade fairly and directly with small-scale producers in developing countries, offering customers ethical choices. Level Ground purchases dried fruit from Fruandes, a Fair Trade organization operating out of Bogota, Colombia. They work with small-scale and independent farmers and provide sustainable wages and health care to those who need it.

 The most recent arrival at the Co-op has been that of the ground pepper, cinnamon and soy sauce from Peter Piper Pepper, a Fair Trade certified company based in Mississauga. The pepper is from India, and the soy sauce ingredients are from Northern Thailand. In addition to fair prices for the products, a premium is paid to the cooperative and is invested by the farmers in social, environmental and economic development projects.

 In conclusion, buy Fair Trade, and support positive development of the global trading economy! There is no substitution for good karma. See below for a comprehensive price list. 

Oxfam at Queen’s

Fair Trade Snack Bar
Monday to Friday at 11:30-4:30 in the lower JDUC

Coffees
Just Us! Rise Again Medium Dark Roast- $8.50

Camino Medium Roast Whole Beans- $10.00

Teas
Just Us! (Rooibos, Black Ceylon) – $2.75
Just Us! Loose Leaf (Darjeeling, Oolong) – $5.50

 Chocolate

Camino (Hazelnut, Butterscotch and Sea Salt, Caramel Crunch, Milk and Sea Salt, Espresso, Coconut) – $3.50
Camino Snack Bars (Peanut B, P. Rice and Quinoa) – $1.00

Camino Chocolate Covered Almonds/Coffee Beans- $4.00

Just Us! Bark (Milk Chocolate Hazelnut, Dark Chocolate Ginger, White Chocolate Cranberry and Cashew)- $2.75 

Miscellaneous
Camino Milk/Dark Hot Chocolate – $5.50
Camino Hot Chocolate Sachets – $0.50
Just Us! Peppermint Hot Chocolate – $6.00

Level Ground Dried Fruit (Mango, Trop. Mix)- $4.00

Peter Piper Ground Pepper- $2.50

Peter Piper Cinnamon- $3.00

Peter Piper Soy Sauce- $3.00 

Something New (maybe) to Try

I remember thinking the local grocery stores in my hometown looked like an after school special. During certain times of the day, it was staffed almost entirely by people from my high school. Standing behind the thinly sliced stacks of salami was the mousy haired boy with thick eyebrows, whose legs I had accidentally stepped on when trying to navigate the crowded hallways. There, in the baked goods section, was quiet lanky kid arranging baguettes in woven baskets that were set out in an attempt to create a rustic, old fashioned feel to the process of buying bread, though the contrast with the polished tiled floor ruined the illusion. Cheery, red apples glowed wanly under yellow fluorescent light, waxy coatings lending them an unnatural shine. Like many other grocery stores, it has a very industrious atmosphere. Stacks upon stacks of food converged to rows upon rows of cashiers. Staffed with grudging kids who had recently grown too old for an allowance, people came in and out without a thought.

Recently, after being introduced to the ideas of food security, I was strongly encouraged to try and buy LOFT (local, organic or fair-trade) foods whenever possible, and within reason. Foods fulfilling any of these criterions can be pretty expensive at places like Metro and such, especially when you’re on a student budget. This is what led me to start shopping more at local Farmer’s Markets. Maybe it’s because I’m a person who’s always been nostalgic for the older and simpler days, and a silly tendency to romanticize eras in which I have never lived, but I absolutely love places with atmospheres like those.

It’s an entirely different shopping experience. Instead of the neat, utilitarian set up of any local grocery, you usually get a mess of colorful tents and tablecloths flapping cheerfully in the wind. There you can find your usual fruit and vegetables, but also much more. I’ve gotten freshly made zucchini loaf that I had to cautiously take from a baked goods display, mainly because of the cloud of bees hovering above, clearly attracted to the sweet smells. In retrospect, it was a stupid idea, but I was probably very hungry. The best apple cider I ever had? I used to buy bottles of it from a family who ran their own apple picking orchard back at home. They told me they bottled it up to sell commercially, but it didn’t taste quite the same as when it was fresh. And is it just me, but does anyone feel extra fancy when they are walking down the street with a freshly made local baguette, or loaf of bread, tucked under their arm? Just be careful, paper bags are not the sturdiest and there’s a chance your bread will slip out and fall into a puddle, which is very upsetting. Lastly, though not food related, you can sometimes find really interesting pieces of clothing. Sometimes it’s made by the locals themselves, but sometimes it’s been brought back by people who travel around the world. A woolly hat from Nepal for $10? I want. I also have a weak spot for pretty saris and wall hangings from the Middle East. I adore clothes with an interesting story or history (like hearing about how the wool in my scarf is made from sheep who frolic happily in the Himalayas) –  it’s a marketing technique I never stop falling for.  As well, by buying pieces from locals, you are supporting those who make these things for a living in a more direct way. So maybe next time, try ditching the stagnant and nondescript grocery store smell for the fresh air at your local farmer’s market, and spend an afternoon there. You’d be surprised what you can find.

 

– Jennie T

Eating Fair Trade

There are a lot of uncertainties about what “fair trade” is and there’s no conclusive answer. It’s a fairer way of doing trade and the consumers interpret that as they wish. An easy way to know whether what you’re buying is truly “fair trade” or not is to look for the Fair Trade International logo.

Still, Fair Trade certified products are plagued with misconceptions. Hopefully this post can clear some of those up for you…

Misconception #1: Fair Trade is just an economic agreement

Fair Trade is not just an economic agreement but includes a manifold of other standards and regulations required for certification. Certified Fair Trade products guarantee farmers are not exploited receiving better prices and longer-term, meaningful trading relationships. To be a Fairtrade certified product, producers have to meet certain criteria ranging from labour standards to sustainable farming to democratic participation (ie. as a co-operative). Company relationships with producers need to maintain a minimum price and longer contracts regularly audited by an independent certification body (FLO-Cert). A Fairtrade certified product does not solely mean a fair price is given to the producers but encompasses a myriad of other requirements.

Misconception #2: Fair Trade is more expensive

Although the nature of Fair Trade necessitates higher prices for producers, it does not automatically mean the products are unaffordable for consumers. You’d be surprised at how inexpensive and available Fair Trade products can be.

Misconception #3: Fair Trade is difficult to find

Fair Trade products are more readily available than many assume. Regular grocery stores, even Metro, Loblaws, and the Campus Grocery Store, have Fair Trade products in stock. It is true that Fair Trade is not as easily accessible as regularly traded products but with consumer pressure for stores to start selling more Fair Trade this can certainly transform.

Misconception #4: I’m a student and Fair Trade just isn’t possible for me right now

Fair Trade products are available on campus at cheap prices! Oxfam at Queen’s started what is now known as the Fair Trade Co-Operative a few years ago. The sole purpose of the Co-Op is to have Fair Trade products available on-campus for the student body. The Co-Op sells Fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate, and other treats at whole-sale prices making absolutely no profit. Our products are from Canadian-based companies (Equita, Camino, and Just Us) who work with co-operative farmers from all over the world. The kiosk is run entirely by volunteers out of the Walkhome booth in the lower JDUC from 11:30-4:30 every Monday to Thursday.

No excuses now: it’s fair, it’s cheap, it’s on-campus, and it’s delicious.

— Angela

Some thoughts on LOFT

Want to consume in a way that is more environmentally, morally and economically sustainable? Try eating local!

With food, energy and transportation being some of the biggest sources of environmental degradation, it is the everyday choices we make that matter. But what constitutes local production? One can consider local to be food produced no more than 200km away from their home or another can consider it to be anything produced within the province. Either way, by eating locally we are not only investing in Canadian farmers, but transportation costs are decreased and food miles are diminished. If Ontarians consumed locally, the emissions equivalent to almost 16,000 cars can be saved! Becoming aware of the difference your food choices make is the first step in collectively moving towards a more sustainable future. If you really want to become a conscious consumer, choose eating both locally and organically. Pesticide use can cause cancer, birth defects, ADHD and autism and not to mention the amount of toxic run-off that finds its way into our water sources. We need to come to the realization that food can no long be synonymous with convenience and extensive availability if we want to move towards a more sustainable future.

Here are some images from our event “The Ultimate LOFT Challenge”! This event compared products such as red peppers, honey, chocolate, apples, and ketchup that were produced locally against the same product produced internationally.

 

— Emily

Welcome!

 

Hello World!

Welcome to Ethical Eats!  This is a blog written by the Food Security group of Oxfam @ Queen’s University. We are students writing for anyone in the Kingston and surrounding Ontario community who wants to learn about how eating habits can change the world! Through this blog we intend to raise awareness about the broken global food system, which has lead and is currently leading to food scarcity and hunger around the world, promote businesses in the Kingston community that we believe are making a positive impact, and learn/discuss other foodie related things!

To learn more about us and our cause, please visit our pages located at the top of this newsfeed. You can also sort through our blog posts by selecting categories on the right hand side, narrowing the entries by topic or author.

We encourage comments and discussion on any posts, and hope that we can all learn together!

Peace, love, and food security