Christmas Ornament Exchange Special

Does your office have an ornament exchange? We have all new ornaments arriving this week (plus some that are already here). Gorgeous Fair Trade ornaments from India, South Africa, Swaziland and more provide living wages for artists around the world.

And, now, your office or ornament exchange can sign up for specials on ornaments. Either call, email or talk to Heidi at Fair & Green, and she'll set you up to receive discounts on your ornaments. Get everyone in your office to purchase their ornament at Fair & Green and your group will receive FREE Fair Trade chocolate for the day of your exchange.

Call today to find out more. 530-582-0908. info@fair-and-green.com or 10382 Donner Pass Rd in Truckee. Hours are from 11-6 pm M-Sa to be sign up for this deal.

Curried Pumpkin Soup

This is the soup recipe we used for First Friday in November.

Curried Pumpkin Soup

1 lg. onion, sliced

3/4 cup sliced scallions, white part only

1/4 cup butter

1 (16 oz) can pumpkin (or your own pumpkin puree)

4 c. chicken (or veg) broth

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp curry powder (maybe a bit more...it was not as curry"ish" as I like)

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

Several parsely sprigs

2 cups half & half

Salt & pepper to taste

Saute onions & scallions in butter until golden brown. Stir in pumpkin, broth, bay leaf, usgar, curry powder, nutmeg & parsley. Bring to a simmer and continue simmering, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer soup to food processor in batches & puree. Return to pan; add hal & half, salt & pepper. Simmer 5-10 minutes. 6 servings

Pumice Feet Return.

Our ever popular pumice "feet" from Bali are now here. Just in time to start thinking about stocking stuffers.

Also, new "Happy Feet" and Floral gift sets. Each gift set comes with a pumice stone, soap and nail brush.

Two New Divine Chocolate Flavors

Divine Chocolate's newest flavors: Dark Chocolate (70%) with Raspberries and a Milk Chocolate Toffee Crunch.

New Putamayo Titles

European Playground and Picnic Playground for the kids. Brazilian Cafe, Espana, and India for the adults. All CDs $15.

New Prints for Fair Trade Aprons

We have new prints on our Balinese aprons. This is a gorgeous two-sided apron of brown with accents of orange. Others in stock are full length aprons. Brown polka-dots for one, green leaves for another and finally a bright fuschia with mums.

New Tableware from Bali

Sustainably harvested Palm Wood is beautifully carved to make our new bamboo inlay trays and coasters. Natural resin is colored and poured over a pattern of cross-sectioned bamboo. Lovely for a housewarming, wedding or hostess gift. Also, new colors of our Capiz Shell Salad Servers.

15 Must-Read Books: Non-Fiction

Here is a list of 15 books which have taught me an amazing amount about the world:

1. Mountains Beyond Mountains--Tracey Kidder. This book describing Paul Farmer's mission to treat the poorest of the poor in Haiti opened my eyes to the inequalities of health care. This book has made the rounds amongst friends and family.
2. Half the Sky--Nicholas Kristof & Sherly WuDunn. Just finished this page turner exploring the oppression of women and how many around the world are turning that into opportunity. Discusses sex slavery, obstetric fistulae, female genital mutilation, and more. Also gives inspirational stories of people who are helping women and girls around the world.
3. The Color of Water--James McBride. I read this book years ago and it still tugs at my heart. A beautiful homage to McBride's mother examines race and the dedication of one mother.
4. Deep Economy--Bill McKibben. In a globalized economy, McKibben argues for creating deep roots in our local economies to lessen our environmental impact, return to community and create resilient local economies that weather global storms.
5. Three Cups of Tea--Greg Mortenson. Most people may have already read this story of how one man can make a difference. Mortenson's account of connecting with villagers in Pakistan and promising to build schools for the children is inspiring (might be an over-used word in this post!).
6. The Blue Sweater--Jacqueline Novogratz. A banker indulges in her philanthropic tendencies to provide sustainable funding for projects around the world to bridge the gap between rich and poor. The sweater in question is Novogratz's and she finds it in a far away place.
7. Nine Hills to Nambonkaha--Sarah Erdman. This story of a Peace Corp worker's time in the Ivory Coast is a thoughtful memoir of one woman's two years volunteering in a small African village. Anyone thinking of volunteering abroad should read this first.
8. Blessed Unrest--Paul Hawkin. By tracing the environmental movement, Hawkin discovers in his examination that the strength of the movement lies in the millions of people working in tandem to help the earth and its people. He looks at not only the environmental issues, but the human issues of equality, responsibility and fairness. Great book for activists.
9. Not on Our Watch--Don Cheadle & John Prendergast. This fact laden book on the Genocide in Darfur helps armchair activists everywhere empower themselves to affect change. Reading this was an epiphany for me: I finally realized if I want change, I have to hold those I help elect (or even the ones I don't) accountable. At the end of the book, there are very practical ways of going about ending the genocide in Darfur, and these tips help you with any issue you are passionate about.
10. King Leopold's Ghost--Adam Hochschild. A gritty look at the Congo and Belgium's brutal colonization of the area for the exploitation of its riches and terrorization of its peoples. A great historical account of how colonization brutalized a land. Gave me more insight into the current conditions in Africa, as well.
11. We Are All the Same--Jim Wooten. A moving account of one boy's story in South Africa and how one woman embraced this HIV-positive youngster while fighting the system and for better care and treatment of HIV patients. Another story that shows the power of one determined person (but in this case, it's two people.).
12. A Long Way Gone--Ishmael Beah. A harrowing account of a boy becoming a soldier in Sierra Leone, and his journey back to civilian life. His ability to overcome and survive provide hope.
13. Confessions of an Economic Hitman--John Perkins. What an eye-opening book this was! We all really know that in a capitalistic society, the mega-corporations are corrupt, but this account shows us how they achieve what they want--no matter the cost (human, environment or financial). Perkin's tells us about the IMF and World Bank, and how he fought his way out of being an economic hitman to become a world activist tied into native cultures. After meeting him in Incline Village at a READ Global fundraiser, I was even more inspired to stay committed to fair trade and activism.
14. The Desert Queen--Janet Wallach. Another older book that really broadened my understanding of the world. This biography about Gertrude Bell, a Victorian explorer, focuses on the Middle East. While bringing Bell to life, Wallach gives the history of the Middle East and shows how current day countries were formed.
15. Brothers Under the Skin--Christopher Hope. This hard to find book (it hasn't been published in the US. Found it in the UK a few years back) examines why dictators are the way they are. By focusing mostly on Mugabe in Zimbabwe, he explains the perfect conditions and personality which produce a tyrant. If you can get your hands on it, you'll enjoy this book.

Well, I could have listed about another 20 books in the non-fiction genre which are amazing reads to help explore the world from your armchair, but this post is long enough. Maybe next will be travelogues. If you see a heavy preponderance of tomes on the African continent, please forgive me, I am very interested in its past, present and future. If you have any recommendations to add, please add a comment. We're always looking for the next best book.

Please Vote for Fair and Green

American Express and NBC are holding a contest: Shine a Light. Its aim is to highlight small businesses. And, wow! It's about time that small businesses catch a break.

Please put a "spotlight" on Fair and Green. We need at least 50 votes by Sept. 13th to stay in the picture. We'd love to have 500 or more! So pass this along to friends and family who have stopped into our store and loved it.

The grand prize is $100K: half in marketing assitance, the other half as a grant. We would be able to create a job and possibly add a service aspect to the shop (who likes Fair Trade chocolate as much as us? Chocolate counter?!). Plus, imagine the customer appreciation party we could throw!

Here is the link. http://shinealight.ivillage.com/sbo-profile/?ProfileID=1820

Thank you in advance to all of you who vote for us. We want to stay in business and keep Fair Trade on the map in Truckee!

Baby Booties & Bibs from Guatemala

Handwoven, cute as a button booties and bibs from Guatemala. This picture really does not do them justice. Available in blue, coral and purple, these Fair Trade baby items will be a hit at the next baby shower.

We also received more handbags (with peace signs), and beaded bracelets from Guatemala and Nepal.

Batik Scarves from India

OM scarves in rust or a deep blue. A patterned wide scarf on the far right.

The dresses on the left are batiked in Ghana, and the far right dress is hand block print from India.

Fashion & Fair Trade all at a Fair Price.

Tree of Life Pillows & Handblock Printed Stoles

These gorgeous applique Tree of Life pillows come from the border region of India and Pakistan. Available in red and a green/red/black, the trees are made of scraps from the textile industry.

The stunning stoles (wide scarves) are a must see. Using wood block printing, a traditional art native to the desert area of western India, amazing script and patterns are printed onto these lovely stoles.

We also have large Wall Hangings of the Tree of Life pattern which are made with organic cotton and scraps from the textile industry.

Olive Wood Bowls, Napkin Rings & Serving Pieces

New Olive Wood Bowls from Kenya. The Kamba Tribe carves beautiful Olive Wood into bowls, serving utensils (inlaid with decorative bone), and napkin rings. Fair Trade, functional and fashionable. Great for wedding and house warming gifts.

Tin Can Earrings

Fun and playful recycled tin can earrings are a favorite for any "green" gal.

Affordable Fair Trade gifts with a unique twist can be found every day at Fair & Green in Truckee, CA

Swaziland Baskets in 3 new colors

This vibrant mix of colors on sustainably harvest grass will bring any table some Swaziland flavor.

We also have a red/black/natural combo and a natural basket with rust/orange/brown.

Three sizes of baskets, three different color combinations give you a great choice for that perfect gift.

"Dragon" Telephone Wire Baskets

Check out the new color of Telephone Wire Basket from South Africa: Dragon (after the Drakensburg Mountains). A deep red combined with dark brown, tan and a shock of bare copper make an elegant mix for this newest color of Fair Trade basket.

New Telephone Wire Baskets & More!

New arrivals coming this week!

Wednesday: New Telephone Wire Basket color will be in stock along with a refresh of all our current colors, beaded keychains, and a few other great items from South Africa. We may also have items from Mexico (I'm going to SF to see some new products and can't wait!).

Thursday/Friday: Guatemalan Worry Dolls, Tin Can Animals from South Africa, Wooden Salad Bowls & Servers from Kenya and more.

Also coming soon: Scarves, pillows, jewelry from India. Organic Loofahs and Sewn Baskets from Brazil.

We're working on bringing in many new items that you've never seen in Fair & Green and some you have (Pumice Feet available some time after September 15th...sorry for the delay). New Chocolate flavors coming in Sept/Oct.

See you at Fair & Green soon!

First Friday in August features Art, Music, and Nepalese Children's Home

First Friday is upon us again, and we have an amazing line up for August 7th.

Artists are knocking down the door to display in the Brickelltown Courtyard (in July we had 17...we think we'll have more this week!).

Emily Tessmer will be playing live in the courtyard. Here's a link to her website to hear samples of her music.

The Ama Foundation will also be here to give information about the AMA Ghar Children's Home in Nepal. Their 10-minute film will be shown at 7 pm.

And, as usual, we will have refreshments and snacks, Burger Me and Trio Wine Bar will also join in on the festivities. So don't miss it. 4-8 pm.

Fair & Green featured in SF Chronicle Travel Section

We are so excited that the SF Chronicle featured Fair & Green, along with many of our Brickelltown friends in this past Sunday's Travel Section. Here is the link to the article. If anyone has extra copies of the paper, let us know, we'd love to give copies to each of the stores featured. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/02/TRLF18VR88.DTL

Peace Coffee and Bulk Ordering of Fair Trade Beverages

Peace Coffee, an organic, Fair Trade coffee is available again at Fair & Green. We've lowered our prices on coffee, as well. Stop in to see our selection of Dark Roast Fair Trade coffees from Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala. Also some great blends. Roots Blend is a smooth, dark roast with an espresso flair.

If you're looking for Fair Trade coffee, tea and cocoa for your office, talk to Heidi about bulk rates. We can customize orders of whole bean or ground coffee. 100's of Fair Trade teas are at our fingertips, and luscious cocoa to make a mocha. We also can offer Fair Trade chocolates (mini bars to large bars) at a discount for offices, weddings, and other events.

Wonder if you're eligable for discounts? Just ask! We're here to customize your Fair Trade needs.

Brickelltown Welcomes Trio Back to the Block

Trio Wine Bar has reopened their doors in downtown Truckee at the Kruger-White House (one of the oldest structures in Truckee). Featuring a Full Bistro Menu until 11 pm, and 40 wines by the glass, Trio offers a wonderful selection of prices and wines.

We had the pizza the other night and it was tasty! So were the Shrimp Spring Rolls. A nice crisp white wine rounds out the nosh session. They also have beer on tap, and you can take food to go.

Please help us welcome Trio back to the Brickelltown Block! 10292 Donner Pass Road, Truckee.

Share Fair Trade--Personalized Events

Want to share Fair Trade with your friends? Fair & Green now offers many ways to do that.

• Private Shopping Nights: Reserve an evening for a group of 10 or more. We provide Fair Trade coffee and tea as you have the shop to yourselves. Customized to suit your occasion with informative presentations, videos and more.
• Home Parties: Have us over to your home for an evening or weekend afternoon. We'll bring our most popular products to you. Kind of like a Tupperware party...and, as host, we have special offers for you.
• Educational Events: We come to your service group, book club, knitting group to provide more information on Fair Trade.
• Other Events: Do you need a space to accommodate a group of up to 30 people? We can move the store around to suit for films, presentations and more. Just contact us to find out more. We even have a full projection set up.

Other ideas? Let us know. Our mission is to further Fair Trade so we'll work with you to bring Fair Trade to you. 530-582-0908. Ask for Heidi

Facts about Fair Trade and a Special Offer

Here are some facts about Fair Trade and some of the people it helps (offer at the end of the post):

• 2 cents - amount farmers on conventional farms receive from the average $3 latte, according to Transfair USA
• 10 cents - amount of social premium paid on top of the per kilo price to fair trade certified coffee farmers, according to Fairtrade Labeling Organization standards
• 20 cents - amount of social premium paid on top ofthe per kilo price to fair trade certified coffee farmers for organic coffee, according to Fairtrade Labeling Organization standards
• 93% - growth in the global fair trade cocoa sector in 2006, according to the Fairtrade Labelling Organization. In 2006, coffee has also grown by 53%; tea by 41%; and, bananas by 31%.
• 7.5 million - individuals in 2008 involved in Fair Trade Certified production, according to the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International
• 2.7 billion - estimated number of people in the world existing on less than $2 / day, according to the World Bank

Stop into Fair & Green from July 10th-31st. Tell us you read our blog and tell us how many cents of social premium is paid to farmers for Fair Trade Organic Coffee and you'll receive a 10% discount on your purchase (not including items already on sale).

Busy Week at Fair & Green

This week's schedule at Fair & Green provides a little bit for everyone.

Truckee Thursdays from 5-9 pm: Open Mic Night in the Brickelltown Courtyard, a bicycle valet, and local art.

First Friday from 4-8 pm: Live music with Aaron Oropeza, tons of local arts and crafts, and yummy refreshments. Art. Music. Community. Join us as we head into our second year of First Fridays in style.

Saturday: 4th of July parade. Bring your chairs down to the courtyard and watch the parade from Brickelltown. We'll have refreshments to keep you cool as you wait for this great Truckee tradition to roll on by.

Fair & Green also just celebrated its 2nd year in business. Come down and show your support. We've got quite a few items on sale (Christmas in July?!) and some new products from Swaziland, India and Ghana.

It's Our Birthday!

Two years ago, Fair & Green opened the doors to the shop in Truckee, California. It only seems like yesterday that Heidi was sitting on the floor, checking in shipments, assembling displays, and Mick set up the computer and register.

We're so happy that the shingle we hung out there two years ago has survived sun, rain, snow and wind. Fair & Green has become a community staple in Brickelltown (Truckee's best kept secret--but keep us secret no more! Share the news with others).

Drake & Lulu's, The Feather's Edge, and Riverside Studios have been an amazing group of businesses to help build this historic area into the best place to hang out under the apple tree. Whether it's First Friday, Truckee Thursday, or just a lunch from Burger Me, the courtyard has become the place to be. As, we like to say, Brickelltown is the place to go when you're in the know.

Fair & Green hopes to continue to serve our community in North Lake Tahoe through our Giving Menu, volunteering our space to worthy causes (arts, non-profits, youth), and providing the best Fair Trade gifts at the fairest price. We're committed to not only our community, but the world community. If we can make Truckee a better place, we can make the world a better place, too.

Join us for a busy summer of events. And, please, pass the word about Fair & Green so that we can survive for another year! Think Local First and keep local, independent businesses open. We'd hate to have to close and hear "You can't close! You're my favorite store." It's a reality. Please continue your support of us, and we'll do everything we can to stay in business.

Happy Birthday to us!

Fair Trade at the White House

Join this coalition of Fair Traders and citizens who believe in Fair Trade in urging Michelle Obama to bring Fair Trade to the White House. Follow this link to sign the petition and learn more. Fair Trade at The White House. Please support this important effort to elevate awareness of Fair Trade to the national stage.

Review Fair & Green online

Want to share your love of Fair & Green with others? 

There are many places to review Fair & Green: 

http://www.yelp.com/biz/fair-and-green-truckee#hrid:cj4zPR-sMm-Qg-3h_xSZuQ

http://maps.google.com/maps?source=ig&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=gift+shops+truckee,+ca&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&view=text&latlng=27381632064485573&dtab=2&ei=fjwwSqmPBqakNfnV5

PMJ&mid=1244675205

http://local.yahoo.com/info-42601915-fair-green-incorporated-truckee?csz=Truckee,+CA

Please give us your review to put Fair & Green on the map. Well, many maps! ;) 

Vote for Fair & Green in the Best of North Lake Tahoe/Truckee contest

Vote for Fair & Green as the best place to buy gifts...and any other category you think we'd fit! 

Here's the link: www.SierraSun.com/BestOf

And, send it on to your friends when you're done. 

We've been here 2 years now, and with your help, we'll make it 3 years! 

Cheers!

The End of the Line :: Home Page

The End of the Line :: Home Page

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The Prince's Rainforest Project

First Friday--Grass, June 5th

It's upon us again--First Friday! This month's theme is Grass. It all starts at 4 PM. 

We have Quartet Minus One playing live in the courtyard, and tons of artists have confirmed to show their art. An amazing surprise is in store for you at 6 PM. 

Bring a friend, tell a friend...and head on down to Brickelltown for Art. Music. General Coolness. 

Sponsored by: Fair & Green, Riverside Studios, Drake & Lulu's, Feather's Edge and Burger Me.

10382 Donner Pass Road. 530-582-0908 for questions or directions. Event runs till 8 PM.

Ladies' Night at Fair & Green: May 27th @ 6:30 pm

Fair & Green is hosting a Fair Trade trunk show. 

Come try on fashions from India and Ghana, enjoy Fair Trade wine & chocolate, and get a chair massage. 

Enjoy discounts on Wednesday, May 27th @ 6:30. We'll close around 9 pm that night. So you have plenty of time to look around, relax and choose that great summer dress (or two!). 

Give us a call if you have questions. 530-582-0908

Fair Trade Around Tahoe

Fair & Green isn't the only place around Tahoe celebrating World Fair Trade Day on May 9th. 

If you're in South Lake Tahoe, check out Gaia-Licious and their celebration from 9:30am-11:30am at their Store. The Happy Hooper will be here so join her outside for Hula Hooping. If you have your own hoop please bring it. And Please bring your own mug. 

Gaia-Licious is located at 987 Tallac Ave. in South Lake Tahoe. (530) 542-4244. 

So if you're in Truckee or South Lake...you can celebrate World Fair Trade Day with a cup of coffee, tea or cocoa and lots of surprises for those who attend. 

World Fair Trade Day: May 9th @ 9 AM

Fair & Green will host World Fair Trade Day for the second year in a row. This year, the Fair Trade Resource Network is organizing Fair Traders all over the US to join together for another Fair Trade Break hoping that 55,000 people in over 500 locations will participate. 

Come down to Fair & Green at 9 AM on Saturday, May 9th for FREE Fair Trade Coffee, Tea, Cocoa and Brownies. Bring your own mug and get a raffle ticket for great Fair Trade prizes. 

Enjoy your beverage while listening to the beats of a local Truckee Drumming Circle. 

Make noise for Fair Trade. 

If you can't make the Truckee event, Gaia-licious in South Lake Tahoe is also participating from 9:30-11:30 am on that day with plenty of festivities off of Tallac Ave. For more details, phone (530) 542-4244. Or, go to http://www.ftrn.org for national listings.

LunaFest: Film Festival raises funds for The Breast Cancer Fund

Luna Chix presented the LunaFest @ Fair & Green on April 26th. LunaFest is a short film festival for, by and about women. 10 short films were shown the more than 20 people in attendance. Money raised went to The Breast Cancer Fund. 

Want to present a film for your non-profit at Fair & Green? Give us a call. We have the projector, screen, location and, as always, Fair Trade beverages to help you make your fundraiser a success. 

Recycling is the Key

Waste from the Philipines has been turned into unique whimsical crafts. This greeting card is made with old computer parts and scrap materials. 

Great for any occasion. And they remind us all that recycling is key to decreasing the amount of waste in our landfills. 

New "Trash" Bags available @ Fair & Green

These functional zippered bags are made of trash. 270 tons of plastic waste is generated every day in Ghana, 85% from non-biodegradable bags containing purified water and ice cream. 

While addressing an environmental issue, sustainable, Fair Trade jobs have been created to make the plastic into fashionable, functional bags. 

These wallets and coin purses are just the beginning. We even have beach bags. 

Prices range from $5-20.

Soda Can Earrings

These recycled soda can earrings are from Kenya and are made by a women's cooperative.

Brickelltowns Earth Day

One down, One Earth Day to go

Squaw Earth Day was an amazing day! Beautiful weather, great people and music, plenty of dogs, and Fair & Green was there all day promoting Fair Trade. 

We hope you'll join us for the 2nd Annual Brickelltown Earth Day on Saturday, April 25th from 12-3 pm. Live tradtional Irish music from Quin. A "Trashion Show" with the Envirolution group from Truckee High School. And much more. 

Ride your bike, get it tuned up by Truckee Trails Foundation. Learn more about alternative energies with SolarWindWorks. Want to know about what greenbikes northtahoe is up to? They will be here. And Truckee Climate Action Network will be handing out their Guide to a Smaller Footprint.

Bring your own mug for Fair Trade beverages...and we'll have Fair Trade brownies too. 

Celebrate with us. Love your Mother Earth. See you there!

Enough is Enough: Congo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZoAC_NtA64

This is the deadliest war EVER on the planet. Learn up about how to affect change in the Congo. Because we purchase cell phones, iPods and other electonics, there is a battle for control of conflict minerals in the Congo. And it is affecting women and girls at an alarming rate: rape is being used as a weapon of war. 

Please take 5 minutes to educate yourself, sign a pledge and learn how to advocate for the Congo. 

Enough is Enough.

Join us at Squaw for Earth Day on April 18th

Fair & Green will have a booth at Earth Day on Saturday. Come down to see what's new and recycled and fair trade all in one! We'll have some specials while there. And, then don't forget Earth Day at Fair & Green on April 25th. 

What's your pledge to the Earth? We've cut out paper towels at our house and in the shop. And, we're planting a vegetable garden this year. 

Annie Lennox Supports World Fair Trade Day

This is a great video on YouTube in which Annie Lennox tells of her support for World Fair Trade Day. 

Will you join us on Saturday, May 9th @ 9 am? Bring your own mug for Fair Trade coffee, tea, cocoa and snacks. A drumming circle will help us make a Big Bang for Fair Trade around Tahoe. If you can't make ours, go to Gaia-Licious in South Lake or Alley Cat Cafe in Quincy. Or, check out your city or town for a World Fair Trade Day event at http://www.FTRN.org .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAcSsgJT0pY

World Fair Trade Day Generates Big Buzz

“World Fair Trade Day is a great idea. Fair Trade is essential for millions of people who work and struggle for survival everyday. It’s all about justice and human rights. So why don’t you join me in supporting World Fair Trade Day 09” Sir Paul McCartney 

Back from the FTF conference & excited!

We've just returned from the Fair Trade Federation and had a great time meeting with other Fair Traders. We threw around plenty of ideas, and found amazing new Fair Trade items to bring into Fair & Green this spring/summer (and even for Winter '09). 

So be on the lookout for new musical instruments, baskets, jewelry, and many other wonderful Fair Trade crafts from around the world in April and May at Fair & Green.

Fair & Green heads to the Fair Trade Federation Conference

We'll be heading to Portland next week to join other fair traders at the FTF Conference. This is a great opportunity for us to join with others who believe in fair trade as a solution in our world economy to combat poverty. 

In addition to educational seminars and workshops, we will attend a Fair Trade Expo to see new products and vendors. We're very excited about this aspect of the conference as it will allow us to bring in many different items from different locations around the world. 

Look for updates on the blog while we're at the conference, and when we return. 

Wearing of the Green @ Fair & Green

Rebel shows his colors...even though the scarves were on the rack backwards! 

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone from Fair & Green!

Fair Trade Chocolates & Truffles

Fair & Green is dedicated to bringing you the best Fair Trade Chocolates. From 25 cent dark chocolate bites to organic fudge at under $20, we have the best selection of Fair Trade Chocolate in Truckee. We've recently added Fair Trade Truffles-To-Go in a reusable tin (there are four flavors in the selection: Dark Chocolate, Orange Blossom, Mint Bliss and Chai Spice. 

If you're having a chocolate craving and just need a bar for yourself, or if you're looking for great chocolates to give to a friend, Fair & Green has a wide variety of Fair Trade Chocolates to satisfy any chocoholic. Many of our chocolates are also Organic, and some are certified Vegan. 

Do you need chocolates for a wedding, special occasion or business incentives/gifts? We can provide great pricing for bulk purchases. Stop in and talk to Heidi about what kinds of Fair Trade Chocolate you would like. 

And, every February 7th, we hold a Chocolate Tasting and discuss how Fair Trade affects cacao farmers around the world. 

Life is sweeter with Fair Trade Chocolates. 

Rebel: The Shop Dog

If you are visiting Fair & Green, you may feel a wet nose nudging your hand in welcome. Don't worry, it's just Rebel. He's a very active dog when he's not working at the shop, and loves to go powder diving in winter. Summers find him in Donner Lake swimming to get sticks, or hiking to places like Loch Leven Lakes. 

Ask him to sit, and "give a paw," and he'll shake hands with you. He loves kids to the point of distraction and enjoys lounging in the various sun beams that filter through Fair & Green's windows. 

As you walk around Brickelltown, you'll wonder if it's "Dog Town" with all of Rebel's friends in the neighboring shops. He's got a crush on Lulu at Drake & Lulu's Art Shed, and Captain Barnaby loves to jump up and play with Rebel. He drags us down to Scrap's Dog Bakery for treats once a week. 

Well behaved dogs are always welcome at Fair & Green. After all, it's a dog's life up here in Tahoe.

Fair Trade Coffees and Teas

Fair & Green offers a full range of Fair Trade teas, coffees, and hot chocolates. Warm up with yerba mate tea, french roast coffee, organic drinking chocolate, green tea, herbal teas and more. 

We also carry hemp coffee filters and tea bags. 

Zulu Telephone Wire Baskets

Zulu Telephone Wire Baskets are hand woven in KwaZulu Natal in rural South Africa. These functional pieces of art take between 4 and 52 hours to weave. 

With many different color patterns and sizes available, these unique baskets help to provide fair wages for over 600 families in South Africa. 

Stop in to see our selection. They are even hand washable making them very versatile. And, they are always great conversation pieces. Collect a whole range of the baskets for use or display.

Fair Trade Alpaca Teddy Bears

Our Fair Trade Alpaca Teddy Bears are handmade in Peru by artisans who utilize yarn from naturally colored alpacas in order to save them from extinction. These soft, cuddly natural bears are all one of a kind and provide the 4000 co-op member families with better pay for traditional handiwork, skills training, basic health care, and education opportunities. 

Great gifts for baby showers and amazing kids. 

March First Friday 2009

March 6th saw the 1st, First Friday Event of 2009 in Brickelltown, and the 1st anniversary of Drake & Lulu's Art Shed.

It was a cold night, so we didn't really get the courtyard into full swing, but we did have some happy visitors, glad to see Truckee's favorite Friday event back on the calendar.

This months them was ANIMAL, and we had a number of local artists displaying their interpretations at Riverside Studios & Drake & Lulu's.

Heather & Lorien from Drake & Lulu's provided chili for the visitors and there were plenty of hot and "warming" beverages for all to enjoy around the fire pits..

When the temps got too cold there was plenty to see the in the stores of Fair & Green and A Feathers Edge Finery.

After the event was done, many moved on to Trio Wine Bar, which unfortunately was its closing night..a sign of the economic times we are in..lets hope the closure is temporary.

We seem to have a break in the winter storms at the minute, so hopefully the shoppers will be out to walk soon..