America's Only Fair Trade Town: Media, PA
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 01.19.07
There are 300-plus designated Fair Trade towns in Europe that all work to not only support fair wages but also to reduce their ecological impact. This is what inspired the town of Media, Pennsylvania to anoint itself as the first “Fair Trade town” in the United States. Located just outside of Philadelphia with a population of about 6,000, this means that the community has thoughtful and inspired consumers and retailers who want to use their buying power to improve the lives of others. To become a Fair Trade town, Media used five criteria, established by the British & European Fair Trade movements: 1) The Media Borough Council passed a resolution supporting Fair Trade, and committing to serve Fair Trade coffee and tea at its functions. 2) A range of Fair Trade products are readily available in Media’s shops and restaurants. 3) Fair Trade products are used by a number of local work places (such as law offices) and community organizations (such as churches). 4) Media coverage is provided and there is popular support for the campaign. 5) A local Fair Trade steering group from a diverse representation of institutions is working to ensure continued commitment to Fair Trade Town status. Via ::body+soul ::Media, Pennsylvania
I live a half hour from Media and never knew about this. It gets no press at all...I think I'll visit and do some posting!
Sad but America's priorities are severely messed up.
JL, when you say "a half hour away", what speed are you going?
:-)
I just think it's bizarre when people measure distance in time. I can cover up to 2 miles in a half an hour at my usual pace... How fast do you usually go?
I live two towns over and never knew this
I LIVE in Media, and had no idea this was happening.
This is the best thing to happen in this town in the last 10 years!
I have lived in Media most of my adult life-I have never heard of this-but think it is fantastic and totally appropriate for Media. I would like to know more.
This aspect of living in a fine town should be made known to more people-residents and visitors alike. Thanks for letting me know.
This is an amazing concept! I would love to see this trend continue on into other cities around the USA. Does anyone have information about people involved with the movement? I'd like to learn from the model. My company thrives on helping communities around the globe build self sustaining enterprises with the sale of organic and fair trade products. Have a look at some of the fair trade products that help eliminate poverty in Cambodia.
http://www.expedienttrade.com
Yeah, I have also lived in Media all my life (although I've been away at college for the last four years) and never heard of this either. Seems like a good idea though, I'm glad we're famous for something other than our trolley ;)
2 important events to relate:
1. Brattleboro, VT just became the second Fair Trade town in America
2. 7/14/2007 Media PA will be celebrating the anniversary of becoming FT along with Bastille Day, Independence Day and 2nd Sat. Check out www.mediaartscouncil.org.
We will also be hosting 15- 20 people from around the country in an all day meeting Sat. to talk about criteria for Fair Trade towns.
Ira
Check out this wonderful short about Media http://ikea.shycast.com/contestant/157/
...I live in Media and assumed everybody knew this (I've been at college for the past three years). I mean it's posted pretty much everywhere, I've never met anyone who didn't know. Maybe you just don't get out much? It states this on the entrances to the town...on signs...etc.
Hi everyone!
The reason some people didn't know about this is because it is brand new, (in USA)! Just about 1yr now... Guess what else :-) We are the Solar Capital of Pennsylvania, (as of now,) a Tree City USA for 25yrs., and named "Preserving Americas Communities". And I am writing to you from my certified backyard habitat, (NWF).
My hometown has made a huge eco turn-around all thanks to Pete Alyanakian, other environmental volunteers, and business leaders. (To bad democrat Frank Daly removed Pete for no good reason!) ...and I am a democrat... I'm not happy lets just say!
Many of the improvements, (solar/streetscape,) were all paid for with state grants! Taxes have remained steady enough... Now it's the locals malls who are struggling! :-) Granite Run Mall has 4-5 vacant spaces now!
Thank you to all of the Media residents who have contributed to our success! And if you didn't know about Media's Fair Trade status... now you do! Please help by spreading the word around Delaware County, PA!
This is wonderful. Fair Trade goods are such an important aspect of my purchasing decisions. I only 20 minutes from Media, and also have a small business focusing on organic and fair trade tea, fair trade jewelry, etc.
Yeah Media!!!
http://www.theteafairy.org
http://www.fireandlightretail.com
http://www.beehouseteaware.com