Worker Justice |
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by Sarah Nash After oil, coffee is the most actively traded commodity in the world with $80 billion in retails sales. The United States consumes one-fifth of the world's coffee. However, few realize that agriculture workers in the coffee industry work in what can be described as "sweatshops in the fields." For every $3 cup of coffee, a coffee farmer receives only 3 cents. The rest of the money goes to four giant conglomerates which control the global coffee market. Fair Trade is a viable solution to this crisis, assuring socially conscious consumers that the coffee they drink was purchased under fair conditions. Last year's IHM Jubilee festivities included the opportunity for many IHM sisters to sample Fair Trade coffee for the first time. The IHM Justice, Peace and Sustainability Office purchased two five-pound bags of Fair Trade coffee (one caffeinated and one de-caf) from the Monroe Vicariate Peace and Justice Committee. The Vicariate Committee purchases Fair-Trade coffee and offers it at a discount to their member parishes. The Vicariate Committee also initiated a campaign to encourage local grocery stores carry more Fair-Trade products. The IHM Justice, Peace and Sustainability Office donated the coffee to Campus Dining Services for use at the Jubilee dinner. Mary Laubacher, IHM, who usually doesn't drink coffee in the evening, sampled the de-caf. "Since I knew it was Fair-Trade, I wanted to make sure I tried it." She enjoyed it so much that she went back for a second cup with dessert. The fact that she was promoting justice with her choice was an added benefit. Fair-Trade coffee is now available for all on-campus events. If you are interested in serving Fair-Trade coffee at your next meeting or event at the IHM Motherhouse, be sure to request it from the Events Planning Office. If you are interested in purchasing Fair Trade coffee for your own personal use, contact Sarah Nash in the IHM Justice, Peace and Sustainability Office at (734)240-9691 or e-mail snash@ihmsisters.org. |
