A coalition of fair trade organizations, vendors, and other supporters has launched a campaign to convince First Lady Michelle Obama to declare the White House a "Fair Trade Home."
They've launched a petition addressed to the First Lady, and they're asking the public to sign it. The petition gives a quick explanation of fair trade, and invites Mrs. Obama to endorse the concept:
... We invite you to extend the Fair Trade movement by making the White House a "Fair Trade Home" and increasing the number of items used by the White House which have been sourced according to Fair Trade principles. By requesting that your staff purchase items like food, body care, and clothing made or sourced under Fair Trade Principles, your family's example would show Americans how their purchasing habits can alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and create opportunities for people to help themselves.
The campaign's ultimate goal is for the Obamas to host a ceremony at the White House in May 2010 in honor of "World Fair Trade Day."
By declaring the White House a "Fair Trade Home," Mrs. Obama can encourage households throughout America to continue refining their buying habits toward ethical consumption so that poverty, both in America and around the world, is reduced.
For more information about "Fair Trade the White House," visit their website.
