In 2011, Be a Fair Trade Rock Star

by Dana Liebelson · 2010-01-01 06:00:00 UTC
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Most New Years resolutions are hard (like losing those last ten pounds), but in 2011, there’s no excuse for buying socially irresponsible coffee. To help you keep that resolution, three celebrities have unrolled their own organic, ethically produced brands. By pledging to drink fair trade beverages (such as Rob Zombie’s Hellbilly Brew Organic Peru!), you will take the first step towards eliminating global labor exploitation. Here’s why these three stars spend their money on ethically conscious beverages, and you should too.

Wilco: When this American-based Indie rock band crooned: “I’ll Fight, I’ll Fight, I’ll Fight for you!” they could have been talking about exploited workers. The band recently endorsed their own blend of single-origin Ethiopian coffee, which is grown by the Homecho Waeno co-op. The organic coffee is reportedly, “light and silky, like freshly whipped cream.”

Chris Noth: Not a coffee drinker? This actor, better known as “Mr. Big” from Sex and the City, just helped launch an organic tea line. The goal behind LOVA Tea is to recruit artists and celebrities to create their own namesake tea, and donate the proceeds to charity. The company also takes strict care to ensure the tea does not support child labor, and is ethically produced. Maybe Sarah Jessica Parker can create a Carrie tea to help stop human trafficking?

Rob Zombie: On December 27, this heavy metal singer launched a line of 100% certifiable organic and fair trade coffee. The coffee is available in two varieties, and “supports the battle against social and environmental challenges.” Also, it has a tangy fruit finish.

For more fair trade coffee brands, click here. And if you're buying coffee a-la-cup, remember Dunkin' Donuts serves only 100% certified fair trade coffee. But at Starbucks, you must specifically ask for them to brew Fair Trade -- they won't serve it otherwise. To encourage Starbucks to brew Fair Trade coffee in all of its stores, sign this petition. Happy New Year!

Photo Credit: Pieter Morlion

Dana Liebelson Dana Liebelson is a writer from Washington, DC, and works for an international journalism non-profit organization.
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