The International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF) and Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) of India recently released a report that details the extensive use of child labor in the production of soccer balls in two villages in India. The report claims that as many as ten major companies use the children in these villages to manufacture their soccer balls. All this despite the fact that the sporting goods industry supposedly put a stop to this practice over ten years ago when it was brought to light in neighboring Pakistan.

This report comes on the heels of a recently-aired segment on HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumble" entitled "Childhood Lost" that depicted Indian children stitching together Mitre soccer balls for a paltry 5 cents an hour. Some of the balls were even proudly labeled "CHILD LABOR FREE."

Most of these children are working to pay off debts incurred by their parents to the manufacturing company. This is the sort of despicable practice that occurred in the days of serfs and the feudal system centuries ago and has no place in any modern society.

Now, one of the named companies, Mitre, has filed suit against HBO, claiming that the segment defamed their company and that it wasn't just Mitre employing the children, but other companies as well. This is like getting pulled over for speeding then claiming that "everyone else was speeding too." That's not the point; the point is that you broke the law - duh - and now you have to face the natural consequences.

I've been asked repeatedly my thoughts on the situation, so here it is...Mitre (and everyone else involved) would be best served by putting their time, effort, and money into getting their sports ball facilities certified Fair Trade (like ours are) rather than suing HBO. The lawsuit - no matter who wins - will not benefit the sports ball stitchers in India, but having their facilities qualify for Fair Trade certification certainly would.

Pursuing Fair Trade certification would also benefit the Mitre brand; they would be seen as part of the positive solution, rather than the negative current public image of one corporation suing another. They are simply forgetting that this issue at its core is about human beings.

For most of us, October simply means that school is back in full swing, the leaves are changing, and the days are getting shorter. The nights are getting longer and Halloween is fast approaching. For others, October (and fall/autumn in general) is also the time of year when our favorite sport picks up. Football and basketball, in particular, are perennial favorites.

For more and more folks out there, however, October has come to be Fair Trade Month. October is the month above all others in which we do our best to get out the message about Fair Trade. And this past month was a great success. We know that if people only knew about the horrific conditions and unfair treatment that workers and communities in impoverished countries receive that they would want to do something about it or contribute in some way. There’s no time like the present to let these people know the facts about Fair Trade and what it can mean to those people that need it the most.

Displays like the ones pictured above and below are good examples of how Fair Trade products can be displayed in a Fall theme that not only showcases the season and reminds folks about how it’s time to replace there worn footballs, but also gets across the message of Fair Trade and respect. Imagine walking past that window and simply seeing “RESPECT” printed across those footballs. It might make you wonder, "Hey, what’s that all about?" And that’s the point: to get people thinking and to get people talking—about Fair Trade.

As we now approach the Thanksgiving season here in North America, take some time to get the message out if you can. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant; just talk to some people. Let them know about how some of their favorite products might be exploitative and let them know that there are alternatives.

September 22 marked the first day of Autumn, but today it feels like it really arrived. Seemingly overnight our temperatures dropped and our leaves began turning color. And the sun is setting a little earlier every night (ugh).

Such drastic change outside doesn't hinder the most serious players from pursuing their green dreams, though. At this time of the year, indoor soccer becomes a hit! Here in Washington State, a woman's indoor soccer team has entered their new season in style. Not only have they began using Fair Trade soccer balls, but they have traded in their old uniforms for new uniforms that Respect Fair Trade producers.

Tara Orr, seen holding the Fair Trade indoor soccer ball in this photo, has been our champion in telling others that there is an alternative to sweatshop labor soccer balls out there.

For those of you who play the form of indoor soccer known as futsal, we have an Earth-friendly futsal ball for you, too. Both the futsal ball and our indoor soccer ball are hand-sewn and made with care from producers who receive fair wages and benefits that improve their communities.

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.

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!

I did a guest-post on the CRS blog this week on the Olympics (Catholic Relief Services). Given that I'm not Catholic, I thought that was a big deal (turns out that it is not). They wanted to know my take on the Olympics as I view it through a "Fair Trade" lens.

Head on over to check it out when you have a chance...

Roxi Suger, the founder of the eco and Fair Trade friendly fashion line Angel Rox, recently ordered some Fair Trade Mini-Soccer Balls.

Her son Cotton ended up with one of them, which now makes him our youngest fan, I believe.  Roxi says he giggles when she tosses it to him. You can't get better than a baby giggling.

Angel Rox is a company committed to producing sustainable fashion using local suppliers whenever possible, and fair trade practices when local suppliers aren't feasible.  They are also, like Fair Trade Sports, committed to philanthropy and donate to several different charities. In short, they rock. Check them out here.

The folks over at Play It Green had some kind words to say about our green eco-basketballs and the excellent role model Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns recently. 

Play It Green is Brita Belli's blog and it deals with all things green and sports related.  Brita writes about everything from athletes' activism to how to make golf a greener sport.

Brita is also the editor of E-The Environmental Magazine.  E is in its 19th year and is published bimonthly by the non-profit Earth Action Network Inc.  E reports on a range of current environmental issues and has plenty of information on how you can make your own life a little greener.  When you visit the site, you can sign up for their free weekly newsletter and read some articles.

Be sure and check out both of these great websites.