eBay and Amazon clearly deliver value to their customers. With the rising cost of gas, it's cheaper for many people to pay a few dollars for shipping rather than drive to the mall (not sure about the carbon footprint, though). Using these online tools is also less stressful and more accommodating for the discerning shopper looking for positive products that are green and Fair Trade. Unless you are one of the lucky few with a local Fair Trade shop, you can find a ton more Fair Trade goods online than you can in the mass market chain store around town.

eBay has teamed up with a series of Trust Providers to begin a new front for Fair Trade called World of Good by eBay. World of Good is an online shopping experience that combines the best of Fair Trade and eBay. Trusted providers in World of Good by eBay must verify that their companies' activities foster the inherent principles behind Fair Trade.

Trust Providers verify marketplace participants and prove they economically empower the native producers, artists and farmers who produce their products. These marketplace participants also must meet stringent policies of ecological transparency and proper business ethics that empower - not tear down - everyone involved. Partnering with eBay gives World of Good international clout and stamina sure to make an impact on the world of Fair Trade.

You'll find that the products on World of Good are truly rich in design and quality. Whether it is jewelry from the depths of Africa, beautiful natural art pieces from South America, or tapestries and rugs from India, all these products have been handcrafted by producers who earned a fair wage for their efforts and skill. Once you purchase from the World of Good initiative, you can also see how much impact you've made. Best of all, the products from World of Good are about the same prices as you'll find in stores!

Fair Trade Sports products can be found on World of Good among the myriad of eco-friendly toys and sporting goods. I've been honored to be a part of this initiative since its original conception 18 months ago by serving on their Advisory Board. It's been an interesting experience and I'm pleased to see their public launch. It's been alot of work for both the eBay and World of Good teams.

This new marketplace offers one of the largest selections of Fair Trade and global eco-friendly products. With the support of eBay, Fair Trade has become more accessible than ever. And it doesn't need to stop with eBay either. Soon, we can have the same effect on other global companies who can bring positive products to market in a way to truly benefits the original producers, such as Amazon.com and Target Corporation!

Tenerife, a soccer team coached by Luis Alvarez in the Youth Soccer League of Antigua, Guatemala received a special gift from a highly motivated young adult, setting a new standard for Fair Trade in Action.

In Guatemala, youth teams struggle to get and maintain proper athletic gear to participate in club sports. The cost of balls alone can be daunting to non-profit clubs. Tenerife was just one of the teams struggling with this problem in the Antigua Youth Soccer League. The importance of sports in developing countries cannot be underestimated. Sports encourages confidence, team work and positive activities when kids are surrounded by negative influences and strife.

It was this motivation that drove a North American students named Koby to work tirelessly to procure a set of earth friendly certified Fair Trade soccer balls to take to Guatemala for the local teams. Koby didn't just supply any soccer balls - he chose Fair Trade. Because of his decision, he has benefitted not only Guatemalan children, but also the producers who make the products!

In addition, because Koby raised money for the balls from neighbors, friends, and other soccer parents, he was able to introduce those contributors to Fair Trade principals.

Koby traveled to Guatemala with his family to deliver the balls this past summer. As a result, teams in the Antigua youth soccer league have new equipment that promotes Fair Trade and economic justice. You can see Tenerife's newest team player, Koby, in the back row of this photo!

A couple of months ago we were featured in the Dutch magazine called Supporter in their summer issue with our beach volleyballs (pictured right...what does "schone bal" mean anyway?).

We were also recently approached by the National Committee for International Cooperation and Sustainable Development (NCDO) to support the latest athletic outreach in Fair Trade. This is a great opportunity for Fair Trade Sports and the NCDO to team up and improve the lives of youth through the power of sports.

For those of you not familiar with NCDO, they are a Dutch non-profit organization promoting a Sport Programme to accomplish the U.N. Millennial Goals (the same ones we put on this End Poverty 2015 soccer ball). Sports has an enormous impact on society that developed nations often take for granted. Here are the NCDO effects for each Millennial goal:

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger: NCDO promotes employment opportunities by organizing, training and equipping local sports teams and games

2. Achieve universal primary education: NCDO promotes physical education in the primary schools across Africa. More students stay in school when P.E. is incorporated into the curriciulum

3. Promote gender equality and empower women: NCDO promotes women's active role in sports teams and games, promoting respect and equality between genders

4. Reduce child mortality: NCDO incorporates mothers into the sports community and provides health education during and after games

5. Improve maternal health: same strategy and tactics as #4 above

6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other disease: NCDO supports local community dance & music activities while providing health education about AIDS and other diseases during and after events

7. Improve environmental sustainability: Members are awarded extra points on their sports teams when they volunteer their time to clean their local villages. Points go towards championship games

8. Develop global partnerships for economic development: NCDO partners with other global organzations to provide equipment for local sports teams

So often, it's easy to forget about the impact sports has on our everyday lives. Sports provides jobs, motivation and enjoyment for all societies.

Thankfully, NCDO has recognized the vital role of sports and has influenced many small villages across Africa with their charity and educational influence. As a result, more villages have sustainable employment, positive athletic programs for their youth, and education programs to improve health!

Fair Trade Sports will be playing an active support role with NCDO. We are looking forward to providing sports equipment and further education to support their mission. Together a few small forward-thinking organizations can make a global difference!

For more information, including a great video, go to "About Us" on the NCDO webpage.

Fall is here and the long lazy days of summer are turning into busy school-nights filled with homework, holiday schedules, and cooler weather. Pools and bathing suits will soon be traded for rakes and jackets.

For parents, this can be the most exciting time of the year! A new school year brings challenges and milestones for your kids that will last a lifetime. For producers all across the world, this can be the best time of the year, too. Fair Trade principals can be taught and practiced in the school environment here in North America, benefitting the hard work of producers thousands of miles away.

So how can we use Fair Trade in the classroom? Here are five easy suggestions:

• Wear Fair Trade Uniforms! Fair Trade Uniforms produces uniforms, gym clothes and tee shirts that directly support marginalized communities. Every purchase goes back into the community.
• Incorporate Fair Trade education into curriculum! Global Exchange has a wonderful teacher resource that uses chocolate and a multitude of books and publications so that everyone can understand Fair Trade. Even kindergarten children can gain an understanding of economic justice with Global Exchange’s easy-to-use curriculum resource.
• Play fair on the playground! Replace your school’s sports equipment with Fair Trade only products from Fair Trade Sports. The purchases pay a living wage to impoverished producers, bettering their communities. Use this OxFam soccer game to teach Fair Trade principals to others in a fun, effective manner.
• Collaborate while fundraising for Fair Trade! Global Goods Partners offers an easy-to-use, socially responsible fundraising tool for schools. Global Goods Partners also offers a collaborative shopping tool to find products made by Fair Trade communities.
• Take a step for Fair Trade! A new line of Fair Trade shoes are available from the Autonomie Project. These shoes are available for all sorts of sports, and are 100% certified Fair Trade! They also come in a multitude of colors and styles.

These five easy steps can help any school become more Fair Trade friendly!

A new Fair Trade force is cruising across North America, educating thousands about Fair Trade and the integral role the West plays in global policy. This October, The Cure is releasing their 13th album, and touring over 25 cities across the U.S. and Canada. They’re also incorporating Fair Trade into their trip, bridging a crucial gap between their loyal fans and the under-emphasized problem of unethical trade policy. The Cure’s latest masterpiece has been over 2 years in the making, combining sociology, politics and ecological ethics in a dynamic and challenging piece.

The U.S and Canada are the largest consumers in the world. Many Westerners buy their products without a second thought about where or how the products are produced. This has led to unfair trade which takes advantage of poorer countries. These destructive policies have destroyed developing nations by unfairly exploiting their labor and domestic goods.

Since the start of the Industrial age, there’s been a plague of silence about the ethics of proper trading practices. The Cure and several important global companies are seeking to change this! Amnesty International and Oxfam America's “Make Trade Fair Campaign” have worked together to produce an interactive and educational venue that enlightens consumers about the importance of Fair Trade.

It is incumbent on everyone to take personal responsibility for the Earth- no matter what you’re doing. Amnesty International and Oxfam America have produced products that are eco-friendly, and sustain developing economies instead of destroying them. How exactly do these non-profit groups uphold their efforts in such a materialistic world?

First, Amnesty International and Oxfam America rely on vendors and suppliers who are driven by eco-friendly Fair Trade practices. There’s no room for compromise. Our world is crying out for help, and we cannot step back in the name of “profit”. Second, companies such as mine (Fair Trade Sports) rely more on positive education and word-of-mouth to promote our message. We don’t make promises to big corporations or collaborative companies who often have ulterior motives. Finally, we pump our profits into Fair Trade and charity. The community itself gives back what we put into it!

The consequence of such action settles my spirit every time I see how Fair Trade impacts a community. Families no longer beg for food while working 60 hour weeks in a factory. Children have the resources to get a basic education and medical care. More families can afford simpler luxuries that were once unimaginable. Their quality of life becomes better, and so does the Fair Trade product. Also, their communities are cleaner and healthier for everyone! Fair Trade products are made with true care for global unity and responsibility.

By teaming up with The Cure, Amnesty International and Oxfam America have educated thousands of people on the importance of using Fair Trade vendors and suppliers. With our aggressive support of their efforts, soon we will end capitalistic reliance on unfair trade and begin a new era of eco-friendly trade that builds communities!

It’s that time of the year! You’re a college student, getting ready for a new year of exciting classes (and maybe some not-so-exciting ones too). It seems there’s not enough time in the day between work, school and exams. The world is more demanding than ever on our young adults. Nevertheless, we’ve heard some great news about what’s happening across college campuses advocating Fair Trade. Best of all, these activities are all inspired by college students striving for change!

The Sustainable Life Organization at Ohio University has a special branch called OU Fair Trade. Last October, they hosted a grand event that focused on raising awareness about what Fair Trade can offer to their campus and the farmers connected to their cause. Over 100 people attended the event. Some left with sports balls and tee shirts from Fair Trade Sports. Some left with African art and Fair Trade coffee samples. But everyone left with a renewed sense of respect and awareness about the importance of Fair Trade.

These pioneering college adults are inspirations for everyone, especially me. Sophomore Nora Rye discovered Fair Trade products last year, and ever since then, she says, “I’m happy to spend a little bit more for someone else to have a little better quality of life.” In the case of our sports balls, she does not even need to spend a little bit more!

This selfless attitude has prompted college dining halls to begin serving Fair Trade coffee and other agricultural goods such as chocolates and teas. These small purchases made by students help immensely in furthering the life of a farmer thousands of miles away. These forward-thinking programs have also prompted discussion at other colleges to begin using Fair Trade Sports products for their athletic programs.

United Students for Fair Trade (USFT) chapters around the country have rallied just for this sporty cause. Luckily, the USFT's pleas have not gone unheard. At Georgetown University, the Student’s for Fair Trade group has worked year-round to raise awareness about Fair Trade. They have rallied with free samples and campaigns to put Fair Trade products on their campus. They’re latest endeavor is to get Fair Trade products on the sports fields to replace old sports equipment.

Imagine the possibilities for producers if every college campus put an order in to replace their sports equipment with Fair Trade products! Every little bit counts, and the activism of our college students is changing the way college administrations think about sports. Taking the Fair Trade message from the dining halls onto the grassy quads and sports fields...