Pre Holiday Post

I am now following a good blog about Human Trafficking, please take a look.

Hello friends, last week at the Global Forum on Human Trafficking I went to one of the breakout sessions titled "Monitoring Supply Chains". This panel discussion provided various interventions that we can take to demand that all products we buy are without slave labor. For those of you who have written asking for more links to fair trade/slave-free goods you're going to love this link list.

Don't underestimate the power of your purchasing, letter writing and intentionality in the way you live. Write your favorite companies. Ask them where there materials are made. Get involved in the process. I know it can be overwhelming at times. Start small. Choose a product or one area of your purchasing to get educated and make a change. Hopefully, these sites will lead you to more information, inspiration and ideas on making that change!

International Labor Rights Forum:
http://www.laborrights.org/
Trade Observatory:
http://www.tradeobservatory.org/
Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility:
http://www.iccr.org/
Environmental Justice Foundation:
http://www.ejfoundation.org/page327.html
Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International:
http://www.fairtrade.net/
Sustainable Cotton Project:
http://www.sustainablecotton.org/
Made by Survivors:
http://www.madebysurvivors.com/
Responsible Shopper:
http://www.greenamericatoday.org/programs/responsibleshopper/
The Good Guide:
http://www.goodguide.com/
Story of Stuff:
http://www.storyofstuff.com/



So maybe think about this when you do your holiday shopping this year. I know my family is getting each other stocking stuffers. But instead of big purchase we are going to go on some family experiences together, such as a local wine tasting. It's better for our family, budget, environment and workers.

Mom is working, getting over a cold.

Rhea is working, she is fine. Looking for a car to buy.

I'm in school still, trying to pass my Japanese class, all the rest are going really well.

Yay!

I will post more often even though no one reads this, once I post a lot I'll send out the link maybe. Or wait until we are doing more interesting things. dunno