Americans Celebrate World Fair Trade Day May 9

Americans across the country will gather in unison on Saturday, May 9, to surpass last year's largest Fair Trade coffee break to support the growing popularity of Fair Trade in the United States. Large cities and small towns, faith-based groups, businesses, neighborhoods and interested individuals can take part by participating in many planned activities throughout the country to help highlight the benefits of Fair Trade to farmers, producers, consumers and the environment.

WHO: Fair Trade supporters, retailers, and consumers across the United States

WHAT: "World's Largest Fair Trade Coffee Break" to help set the record straight: Everything is Better When It's Fair

Simultaneous Fair Trade coffee breaks throughout the country to celebrate Fair Trade's accomplishments, enjoy many Fair Trade products, and join the movement to improve the lives of farmers & artisans in developing countries.

WHERE: Local organizers will host Fair Trade "breaks" in hundreds of towns and cities across the U.S., from Milwaukee to Media, PA, Chicago to Taos, NM, and San Francisco to New York. Event locations & details can be found at www.FTRN.org.

WHEN: Saturday, May 9, 2009, World Fair Trade Day

Hundreds of events are being planned on or around May 9th. Please check the Web site for details on exact dates & times.

WHY: Americans are participating in World Fair Trade Day to set the record straight - Everything is Better When It's Fair.

The Fair Trade movement is about treating people and the planet with respect and dignity. Buying over $1 billion of Fair Trade products annually, U.S. consumers are supporting millions of farmers and artisans who make the goods we consume and enjoy. Fair Trade ensures they are paid a fair wage, and work in healthy conditions. Additionally, choosing Fair Trade products benefits the environment since Fair Trade supports sustainable practices which minimize our environmental footprint.

The Fair Trade Resource Network (FTRN) coordinates World Fair Trade Day in the United States and acts as an educational resource on Fair Trade for the general public. FTRN will be providing promotional materials, educational resources and ideas on how to celebrate and organize a Fair Trade break in local communities. The non-profit group has also teamed up with various partners to help make World Fair Trade Day 2009 a success. Major sponsors of World Fair Trade Day 2009 include Catholic Relief Services, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, Fair Trade Federation, Gifts With Humanity, Global Crafts, Handmade Expressions, Jamtown, Lutheran World Relief, Oxfam America, Sierra Club, TransFair USA, & Wholesome Sweeteners. Regular sponsors include Adina for Life, Cooperative Coffees, Equal Exchange, Fair Trade Sports, Green America, Handcrafting Justice, Larry's Beans, and WorldofGood.com. For more information on World Fair Trade Day 2009, please visit www.FTRN.org.