Dear Coffee-Drinker,

“Since 2000, consumers have been demanding that Starbucks offer brewed Fair Trade coffee as well as whole bean. Many Starbucks cafes will brew a pot of Fair Trade—but only if specifically asked. Meanwhile Fair Trade Coffee has yet to be promoted as the brewed Coffee of the Day, which is the only way to ensure real volume for Fair Trade Farmers” (globalexchange.org). In contrast, in the UK, 100% of Starbucks’ espresso is Fair Trade Certified—this is largely due to consumer activism, by people like you and I.

Let us promote World Fair Trade Month (www.wftday.org/) this May, by leveraging our buying power, as consumers, and as coffee-drinkers. I am asking you to put the pressure on Starbucks to become truly fair trade—Go to your local Starbucks, and ask for BREWED Fair Trade coffee, throughout May. Ask Starbucks brew the Fair Trade coffee they already have (in whole bean). It is already a part of their company, and their policies…

“Despite being the second most valuable commodity in the world after oil, there is significant human trafficking and exploitation in the coffee industry. Across Central and South America and Africa, workers on large plantations are often forced to harvest and dry beans for long hours with little or no pay. Small farmers then have trouble competing with the low prices of the large growers, in part because of their use of child and exploited labor. But slavery in the coffee industry happens in the U.S., too. For example, Kaua'i Coffee, a Hawaii-based brand, was recently cited for using six enslaved Thai workers on their plantation. In other words, where coffee is grown, workers are often exploited” (change.org).

ADDITIONAL ACTION STEPS:
Go to your favorite Starbucks store, smile, and place an order for a cup of “Fair Trade Starbucks coffee.”

If you’re met with confusion or hesitation, remind the barista about Starbuck’s policy: that upon asking for Fair Trade coffee, they must brew a full pot. And then kindly point out their Fair Trade blends, that are already available in-store. (Look for the “Fair Trade Certified” logo on the bag).

Thanks for participating. By supporting Fair Trade, you are making a tangible and life-changing difference in lives of farmers all over the world.

Image Credit: presidentservelan from Flickr, Creative Commons License.

*Much credit for inspiration goes to Amanda K.'s Change.org petition. The petition letter has been adapted from her original petition.