2008 Woodie Awards
Store promotes Fair Trade
Global Folk Art offers goods from around the world
Lucas Beechinor, Staff Writer
Issue date: 11/14/06
Last Updated: 12/26/07
"If you can buy Fair Trade, you should," Coleman said.
Coleman proposed that, by buying Fair Trade products, consumers can take a stand against sweatshop labor.
The store was established by the Fair Trade Federation 14 years ago and is still the only registered Fair Trade shop in Spokane. The Fair Trade Federation is an association of wholesalers, producers and retailers who support fair trade and work to foster appreciation for diverse, global products. They provide fair economic opportunities to poor farmers and artisans around the globe. When customers buy Fair Trade, they are purchasing high quality items and a large percentage of the money they spend goes directly to the artisans who made the products.
"I think more people are realizing what fair trade is in Spokane," Coleman said.
Lewis and Clark High School senior Lauren Currin is among the 15 volunteers at Global Folk Art.
Currin, who has traveled extensively, said she finds great satisfaction selling things she has seen around the world to people in Spokane.
"I really like the bags," Currin said, admitting that she usually spends her entire allowance on Global Folk Art merchandise. She enjoys the fascinating people that frequent the shop and listening to the stories they have to tell.
Store manager Lisa Ogle has been managing Global Folk Art since 2002. When the former manager left to have a baby, Ogle was asked to replace her and accepted her new role eagerly.
"I know when we sell something, it's giving back to the people," Ogle said.
Coleman proposed that, by buying Fair Trade products, consumers can take a stand against sweatshop labor.
The store was established by the Fair Trade Federation 14 years ago and is still the only registered Fair Trade shop in Spokane. The Fair Trade Federation is an association of wholesalers, producers and retailers who support fair trade and work to foster appreciation for diverse, global products. They provide fair economic opportunities to poor farmers and artisans around the globe. When customers buy Fair Trade, they are purchasing high quality items and a large percentage of the money they spend goes directly to the artisans who made the products.
"I think more people are realizing what fair trade is in Spokane," Coleman said.
Lewis and Clark High School senior Lauren Currin is among the 15 volunteers at Global Folk Art.
Currin, who has traveled extensively, said she finds great satisfaction selling things she has seen around the world to people in Spokane.
"I really like the bags," Currin said, admitting that she usually spends her entire allowance on Global Folk Art merchandise. She enjoys the fascinating people that frequent the shop and listening to the stories they have to tell.
Store manager Lisa Ogle has been managing Global Folk Art since 2002. When the former manager left to have a baby, Ogle was asked to replace her and accepted her new role eagerly.
"I know when we sell something, it's giving back to the people," Ogle said.
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