Monday October 1: Follow us on Instagram! We will be sending out lots of fun challenges during the month of October, some on this calendar and some only on Instagram – each time you complete a challenge, your name will be entered to win a surprise basket brimming with fair trade goodies. Don’t miss an opportunity – follow us today @fairtradelongbeach. And, hey – as soon as you follow us - you’ve just completed your first FTLB Challenge! Great start!
Tuesday, October 2: Get to know us a little better – check out our website at www.fairtradelongbeach.com. Join our mailing list to stay current on all of our activities – that’s challenge #2!
Wednesday, October 3: Now get to know fair trade labels – there are several, and you will want to be able to spot them quickly for some of our challenges. There’s a really good explanation of each label at www.fairtradewinds.net/guide-fair-trade-labels/
Thursday, October 4: Attention PTA Members and parents everywhere! Are you tired of buying gift wrap and candy for your school fundraisers? Why not try a fair trade fundraiser – earn money for your school (or organization) and teach children a positive lesson at the same time with www.fairtradecaravans.com
Friday, October 5: Visit First Fridays in Bixby Knolls, and stop by the Fair Trade Long Beach/Tribu table to say hi! Find us in front of the Bixby Trading Post from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Sign our guest log for challenge #3! Take some time to visit some of our favorite shops in Bixby Knolls, including The Trading Post, Share and Do Good, and Cheese Addiction!
Saturday, October 6: It’s time to go bananas! Grab some Fair Trade America certified produce such as Coliman bananas, Index Fresh avocados, or Nature Ripe blueberries! (Hint – this is the first Instagram challenge, so be sure you’re following us!)
Sunday, October 7: Visit the Alamitos Bay Farmers Market and Craft Fair, 9:00am-2:00pm. Look for booths offering fair trade products, such as Global Fashion Mission and Handcrafting Justice!
Monday, October 8: Do you like us? Please do! Find us on Facebook at Fair Trade Long Beach.
Tuesday, October 9: Be sweet! Romeo Chocolates, 460 Pine Ave in downtown Long Beach, is a wonderful little shop and many of their confections are made with fair trade chocolate. Have you stopped in?
Wednesday, October 10: Be sweet! (again) Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods store brands of sugar are fair trade. You can also find chocolates from both store brands and Green & Black, Divine, and Wildly Organic to bring home for future cravings.
Thursday, October 11: Need something special for someone special? Check out the many giftable products at www.globalfashionmission.com
Friday, October 12: It’s the weekend! Wine down with fair trade wines from Six Hats, La Riojana, and others. Look for the Fair Trade International Label on the bottle! Or create a fun new autumn-themed cocktail using FAIR.Spirits vodka!
Saturday, October 13: A great place to find fair trade products? Health, wellness, and vitamin stores – especially the independent (non-chain) stores. Experiment with brands like Dr. Bronner’s, Sol Organics, and CocoKind.
Sunday, October 14: Is your place of worship a fair trade congregation? Would you like it to be? It’s really easy to do! Get the info at here and then contact us for guidance at info@fairtradelongbeach. We will help you achieve your goal!
Monday, October 15: Tea time – get your zen on with tea from Celestial Seasonings, HonestTea, Stash, Traditional Medicinals, Republic of Tea…so many fair trade choices!
Tuesday, October 16: There are many fair trade clothing labels, such as glo-Green Living Organics, Conscious Step Socks, Pact Organics, and Skunk Funk. Have you seen fair trade clothing around town?
Wednesday, October 17: We are at the Harbor City Farmer’s Market today (and every Wednesday) from 9:00am-2:00pm at 25825 Vermont Ave (Kaiser Permanente). Come on by!
Thursday, October 18: It’s easy to get the kids off to school on time with cereal or waffles from fair trade Nature’s Path Organics. What other products do you love from this brand?
Friday, October 19: Ahhhhhhhh, coffee….does your favorite coffee shop serve fair trade coffee? Take a look at the menu or ask your barista when you stop in for your mid-morning pick-me-up.
Saturday, October 20: October is also Grocery Co-op Month. We are planning a special event in cooperation with the Long Beach Grocery Co-op from 11:00am-3:00pm today. Watch your email for full details!
Sunday, October 21: Join the Long Beach Crop Hunger Walk, sponsored by our community partner South Coast Interfaith Council. See scinterfaith.org for details.
Monday, October 22: Love beautiful fabrics? Then you will love www.thepeaceexchange.com All products are sourced from communities in Kenya and Congo, and they are gorgeous!
Tuesday, October 23: Stop and say hi at our Fair Trade Long Beach booth at the Wilmington Farmers Market at Providence Health & Services, 470 Hawaiian Ave in Wilmington. Open 9:00am-3:00pm.
Wednesday, October 24: Are you a college student or employee? Many colleges, or college clubs or organizations, are fair trade. Get the info at fairtradecampaigns.org/campaign-type/universities/ and then contact us for guidance at info@fairtradelongbeach. We are here to help!
Thursday, October 25: I scream, you scream, we all scream for fair trade Ben and Jerry’s ice cream! Does your local ice cream shop offer fair trade ice cream?
Friday, October 26: We all have that special “I find everything I need here from hostess gifts to kitchen utensils” shop, that flies under the radar and only those in the neighborhood seem to know about. Do a quick scavenger hunt at your favorite spot, and look for fair trade labels. How many can you find?
Saturday, October 27: Attend the South Bay/Long Beach Coalitions Against Human Trafficking Meeting – they are one of our community partners. Details here
Sunday, October 28: Attend our FAIR TRADE LONG BEACH monthly meeting! Everyone is welcome – we love new faces! We meet at 4:00pm at 3939 Atlantic Ave Suite 107, Long Beach, CA 90807. Parking is free – please enter from the rear parking lot. Hope to see you! Attendance is worth *two* entries for our fair trade gift basket, and we will be announcing the winner at the end of the meeting!
Monday, October 29: Did you know schools can be fair trade? Find out how at fairtradecampaigns.org/campaign-type/schools/ and then contact us to work with your school at info@fairtradelongbeach. What a great opportunity to teach our children about fair trade.
Tuesday, October 30: Now that you are an expert in fair trade – share this info with a friend or family member who you think would like to learn more about fair trade and FTLongBeach!
Wednesday, October 31: Have a fair trade Halloween! Hand out trick or treat goodies like Equal Exchange Chocolate Minis, Endangered Species “Bug Bites”, or Divine mini chocolate bars.