Fair Trade Movement Encourages Young Environmentalists

Cooperatives in Costa Rica Use Fair Trade Income for Environmental Education
Oct 17, 2011 4:00 PM ET
Campaign: Fair Trade Month

Fair Trade Movement Encourages Young Environmentalists

Educating the next generation about environmental conservation is crucial for our planet's future. On top of following Fair Trade's eco-friendly farming techniques, Fair Trade communities worldwide are also providing hands-on environmental education to their youngsters.

Check out these Fair Trade cooperatives in Costa Rica who are doing just that:   Coopetarrazu, a coffee cooperative, uses Fair Trade income to expand their sustainable farming practices and build respect for nature by providing environmental education to both adults and children in their community.   Kids participate by gathering environmental impact data through tracking birds and insect populations and learning about the important role these critters play in coffee production and ecosystem survival.
CoopeAgri is a Fair Trade coffee and sugar cooperative whose members share a deep commitment to environmental protection. They have preserved nearly 500 acres of forest, reduced water usage by 70%, and turn 100% of their coffee pulp into organic fertilizer.   For CoopeAgri’s members, educating their children about environmental conservation is fundamental for long-term sustainability. Their “Future Leaders” program has already given over 1,700 children and teenagers the skills they need to become the next leaders and voices of the cooperative's social and environmental programs.   You can help inspire kids around the world to embrace environmental conservation. Tax-deductible donations to Fair Trade USA fund our work with farming communities worldwide to preserve fragile ecosystems and build environmental awareness among people of all ages.   FTUS17784