Bluffton – the first community in Ohio designated as a Fair Trade Town – celebrates Fair Trade Month in October, according to Wendy Chappell-Dick of the local Fair Trade Committee.

She describes Fair Trade this way:
"Fair Trade means an equitable and fair partnership between global marketers and producers in Asia, Africa, Latin America and other parts of the world. A fair trade partnership works to provide low-income artisans and farmers with a living wage for their work.”

In Bluffton, Ten Thousand Villages, The Food Store, Common Grounds and Bob’s Place at Marbeck Center sell goods that qualify as Fair Trade.

One goal of the Bluffton Fair Trade Committee is to educate residents during October about Fair Trade and raise awareness to this issue.

Here are some of the events that have already taken place:
• Oct 4  - The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center book signing of the new Lisa Weaver book

• Oct. 6-7  - Go Bananas – Fair Trade storytime at the library

Events later this month:
• Thursday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m. – Fair Trade Tea Talk at the Bluffton Public Library – Registration is required and participants are invited to bring cookies to share.

• Friday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Partnering with Ten Thousand Villages, the library hosts a jewelry party with a difference. The event includes games, prizes, refreshments, artisan stories and shopping.

“Fair Trade Towns USA is an exciting initiative that brings together businesses, community and faith-based organizations, and educational institutions throughout the United States to grow the Fair Trade movement,” said Chappell-Dick.

“By achieving special recognition for towns, cities, and communities that promote Fair Trade, the campaign deepens consumer awareness and involvement and expands the Fair Trade market, to benefit millions of marginalized farmers and artisans and their families around the world.”