Alleviating poverty and saving the planet in one fell swoop
Tackling World Poverty
The best, long term answer to alleviating world poverty, is Fair Trade~an organized social movement whose stated goal is to help producers in developing countries achieve better trading conditions
and to promote sustainability. I believe the following statement puts into words our best hope to address this issue.
Long term vision of the Fair Trade Federation
The Federation envisions a just and sustainable global economic system in which purchasing and production choices are made with concern for the well-being of people and the environment, creating
a world where all people have viable economic options to meet their own needs. We seek to alleviate poverty by continually and significantly expanding the practice of trade that values the labor and dignity of all people.
Saving planet Earth!
Can our planet support mass production of poorly produced, disposable products indefinitely? Our natural resources are finite and so is land; land which should be used to produce food is now being
eaten up by landfills. Water needed for drinking and sanitation is contaminated by dyes, toxic chemicals and waste. Our planet cannot support these practices without continue dire consequences.
Introducing the first online marketplace exclusively for Fair Trade AND Upcycled Goods.
*Consumers are becoming more savvy and beginning to understand the long term effects of their purchases.
*Conscientious consumers want to support Fair Trade and the idea of repurposing our goods.
*Currently there is no single place to purchase either Fair Trade or Upcycled Goods and these items have gotten lost in the ocean of mass produced goods on eBay.
*Providing a platform that shines a spotlight on the individual artisans and organizations will serve to educate about the importance of rethinking consumerism and mass production.
The site will provide a central hub for sellers to market their wares and for buyers to find them
*The site has been endorsed by both The World Fair Trade Organization and the Fair Trade Federation, as well as dozens of individual Fair Trade organizations and artisans currently creating upcycled products.
*The site officially launches November 1, 2014.
*The site will continue to take shape as sellers lend their ideas and voice to the project.
Donations will cover all related start up costs for a period of 18 months
*Site maintenance: $110 per month x 18 = $1980
*Lawyer and related fees to become an LLC: $600
*Accountant: $200
*Insurance: $200
*Marketing: $1,700
*Total sought: $4,680
I'm asking for your help to get this project off to a great start.
Here is your opportunity to be part of something huge and make a difference in the lives of thousands of people for many years to come.
It will make you feel great, i promise. Donations of $10 or more will receive an artisan crafted Fair Trade or upcycled gift as a beautiful reminder of your part in
this worthwhile project. Additional gift packages available based on donations made.
Sharing on Facebook and Twitter will give your friends the chance to join in on this feel-good opportunity also.
I thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Additional information:
Venture page: http://startsomegood.com/Venture/a_world_of_goods
About Ruth A Johnston: http://about.me/aworldofgoods
A World of Goods blog: http://aworldofgoods.org/