Pura Vida encourages fair trade practices between First and Third-world countries. Guatemala's chief export is coffee, and until very recently trade has been lopsided. Because coffee is so widely traded and consumed, it has an immense impact on the economic well-being of people in Guatemala. For the same reason, it also offers one of the most promising avenues for bringing about positive change. As a consumer, you have an opportunity to impact the future of the coffee trade.

The Problem
A recent study of plantations in Guatemala showed that over half of all coffee pickers don't receive the minimum wage, which is in direct violation of Guatemalan labor laws. Workers interviewed in the study were also subject to forced overtime without compensation, and most often did not receive their legally-mandated employee benefits. To compensate, many coffee workers bring their children to help them in the fields in order to pick the daily quota. These child workers are not officially employed and therefore not subject to labor protections. It is common to find children as young as 6 or 8 years old at work in the fields.

A Solution
The Fair Trade certification mark has been developed to assure consumers that the coffee we drink was purchased under Fair Trade conditions. To become Fair Trade certified, an importer must meet stringent international criteria; paying a minimum price per pound of $1.26, providing much needed credit to farmers, and providing technical assistance. Fair Trade for coffee farmers means community development, health, education, and environmental stewardship.

The Bottom Line
If you are a frequent coffee drinker, ask for Fair Trade Certified coffee. Even Starbucks should put a pot on for you if you ask!