A very successful Fair Trade event, hosted by the Social Ministry Group at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, was held on November 14 in La Mesa. A wide variety of gift items, all Fair Trade certified, were available for purchase from the eight  vendors that participated.  The event was well publicized in the La Mesa Community and, as a result, the attendance was excellent. In addition to purchasing items, those attending became more aware of what fair trade is and how each purchase represents a way to bring an end to poverty and exploitation of workers in developing countries. Fair Trade San Diego had a table with brochures about Fair Trade and special t-shirts. The vendors expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share their mission through their products.  All have asked to come back next year!

Participating vendors were:  The Guatemala Project, The Tomorrow Project (agency of Catholic Charities), Plant With A Purpose, Work of Human Hands, The Purpose, Invisible Children, Cafe Virtuoso.

Reverse Trick or Treating

This was St. Martin of Tours School second year to participate in reverse trick or treating and the boys were very comfortable "reversing the treat," explaining the plight of third world cocoa farmers, and encouraging people to look for the fair trade symbol on chocolate they may purchase in the future. Before we went out, each of the five boys in our group took a stack of cards with chocolates attached and put them in their treat sacks. The only instructions were that they take turns reversing the treat whenever they felt they were ready. Whoever presented the treat did all the talking, but each of the boys chimed in to answer questions or help with a forgotten detail. They began always by saying, "Thank you for this treat, now we have one for you." Neighbors were charmed by this approach. They listened politely, asked questions, and congratulated the boys for the way they handled themselves. Everyone wanted to know what school they attended and the boys shouted in unison, "St. Martin of Tours Academy in La Mesa!"

Green Scene Environmental Fair

Saturday, November 13, 2010
Grape Day Park, Escondido - 10-3 pm
In conjunction with America Recycles Day, the Escondido History Center is hosting Green Scene Environmental Fair. Come out to the park to learn, participate and purchase all things “green”. There will be vendors in the categories of Recycling, Renewable Energy, Environment/Outdoors, Mind & Body, Organics, and more! There will be music and food samples to enjoy while you cruise the booths and recycle your unwanted small appliances, electronics, aluminum cans, plastics, glass, newspaper, old bedding and towels. Don’t miss our presentations, demonstrations, freebies, samples and fun!

Recycling: Free on-site recycling of electronics, cell phones and small appliances by EWorld Recyclers.  http://www.eworldrecyclers.com/

Recycle your old towels and bedding with the Humane Society. The animals will appreciate the extra comfort. The Humane Society will also be accepting any gently used animal items.

Donate your recycled items and all recycling proceeds will go directly into the playground fund for Grape Day Park! Recycled items include newspaper; CRV aluminum cans, plastics and glass.

Recycled Art: We are excited to have a recycled art display from a local Escondido artist. A large canvas oil painting will be on display at the event. We will also have a recycled art station for kids (and adults) to make their own recycled art.

Green Energy: There will be a solar powered trailer from California Solar Innovations powering our DJ/Emcee and any other vendors requiring power. http://www.csigreenliving.com/ Also visit the groSolar, Cosmic Solar booths and more!

Earth-Friendly and Organic Vendors: Check out the environmentally friendly products from vendors such as Jimbos, Eco Green Monster, H2O at Home, Mind & Body Partnerships and Mary Kay.

Environment, Outdoors & Preservation: Learn about organizations and services at booths from the San Dieguito River Park, San Pasqual Battlefield, Friends of Daly Ranch, Friends of Grape Day Park, City of Escondido, Humane Society, Waldorf Institute of So. CA, Old Escondido Historic Dist. and more!

**Vendor space is still available. Anyone interested in participating, please contact us ASAP. For more information contact the Escondido History Center at 760 743-8207 or email us at grapedaypark@gmail.com.

Fair Trade at USD

	Wednesday, November 17 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location	Aromas Coffee Shop on USD's campus (bottom floor of Maher Hall) 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA
Created By	Fair Trade San Diego
More Info	Come hear students share their experiences with fair trade, listen to the president of Fair Trade San Diego offer the benefits of fair trade for producers and consumers. Drink fair trade coffee while browsing through fair trade crafts being sold by local vendors!