I haven’t watched the video yet but had heard an interview with the Good Reverend on “Speaking of Faith.” Thanks for letting us know the DVD is available.

As a educator, I also struggle with the notion that I am advocating consumption, and I also reflect on how when I am surrounded by Fair Trade items I often am triggered to make impulse purchases: the jewelry is just SO beautiful, the chocolate so yummy. It is definitely an irony for me that as I try to simplify my life through Fair Trade I find myself wanting to buy “things” more often. For me it helps to return to the basics of that handy meme/mantra: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

With the green movement growing and recycling bins popping up everywhere (which is great!) I think people revert to the easiest action: to recycle something. But to really help our planet and to address some of the inequities billions of people face we might need to pause and say “Wait to do I really need that item or can I reduce my consumption?” If I do need an item, “Can I get a used one somewhere?”

Luckily for Fair Trade Sports, all kids (and even most adults!) need to PLAY! Check the first R off on that! I salute you for encouraging folks to use previously owned balls first before buying thus REDUCING the number of balls on the planet.

A nice unintended consequence of your advice to people is that I respect your business model even more because you are promoting the Gospel of REDUCE, REUSE and then recycle. Thanks Scott!