WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Fair Trade Resource Network released the fourth edition of its flagship publication The Conscious Consumer: Promoting Economic Justice Through Fair Trade. This new and expanded edition - commonly viewed as the authoritative source for fair trade information - includes a wealth of producer stories, history, facts, statistics, challenges and goals.

Fair trade is the practice of providing fair wages and better employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide. Since its first edition in 1999, The Conscious Consumer is a proven and valuable resource for both fair trade consumers and those working with fair trade organizations. Written by Rose Benz Erickson, a co-founder of FTRN, the book presents succinct and easy-to-grasp information that clarifies fair trade's key principles.

"Consumers are more powerful than they think, and their power is in where they spend their dollars," states Mary Morrison, Executive Director of Fair Trade Resource Network. "Fair Trade is much more than just purchasing products. It also supports an economic model that incorporates dignity and fairness for the people that produce the products. As people become more aware of the advantages of this model we'll see more fairly traded products from the corner store to major chain retailers."

The publication of The Conscious Consumer is part of the non-profit group Fair Trade Resource Network's mission to deepen consumers' awareness of global issues and each person's part in it. The latest edition outlines the history, key principles and major players of fair trade, and also offers new sections about:

• Benefits to Consumers
  
• Women, Crafts and Fair Trade
  
• Shared Ownership with Producers
  
• Faith-Based Outreach
  
• Technology
  
• Identifying and Motivating Consumers
  
• Reconciling Mission-Based Fair Trade with Mainstream Distribution
  
• The Case for Parallel Certification Processes

The Conscious Consumer has sold more than 60,000 copies since 1999 and remains one of FTRN's most important educational tools and revenue sources.

Author of The Conscious Consumer Rose Benz Ericson, co-chair and co-founder of the Fair Trade Resource Network, is an independent journalist and communications consultant based near Rochester, New York.

The Fair Trade Resource Network, based in Washington, D.C., seeks to improve people's lives through Fair Trade alternatives by providing information, leadership, and inspiration. FTRN gathers, develops, and disseminates educational resources to people and organizations interested in the movement to build a more just and sustainable world through Fair Trade.

To order or for more information contact FTRN at:
Phone: 202-302-0976
Email: mary@FairTradeResource.org
Web: www.FairTradeResource.org

Fair Trade Resource Network

Fair Trade Resource Network

The Fair Trade Resource Network, based in Washington, D.C., seeks to improve people's lives through Fair Trade alternatives by providing information, leadership, and inspiration. FTRN gathers, develops, and disseminates educational resources to people and organizations interested in the movement to build a more just and sustainable world through Fair Trade.

More from Fair Trade Resource Network