The consumer culture is based on the belief that happiness can be bought through acquiring more stuff. The cheaper we can buy it for, no matter how or where it was produced the more stuff we can have. The more stuff we have, the happier we are, right?

Think again. What is the most valuable gift you can give to someone? It is a gift that everyone can afford, that is never sold out, and is absolutely unique. It is the gift of your time, your attention, and your presence. This gift can be expressed in a multitude of ways, limited only by your imagination and thoughtfulness. Some examples include a homemade meal, a special outing, or a coupon for childcare. Giving thought to what we give adds meaning for both the giver and the receiver.

We can also put thoughtful care into our gift purchases. That is why Harvest Market supports Fair Trade practices. When you see the Fair Trade Certified label on products like coffee, tea and chocolate, you can be sure they were produced under environmentally and economically sustainable conditions. Fair Trade certification offers the world’s poorest farmers fair prices, fair labor conditions, direct trade, democratic organizations, community development, and environmental sustainability. These benefits, and the long lasting environmental improvements, will be inherited by future generations of families and by the communities they live in.