Chris Abel

Author's details

Name: Chris Abel
Date registered: November 10, 2009

Latest posts

  1. Create Something — September 23, 2010
  2. Wear Fair. — September 9, 2010
  3. Be Fair to Yourself (Part 2) — August 26, 2010
  4. Be Fair to Yourself. — August 19, 2010
  5. Fair Trade in the Middle East — August 12, 2010

Most commented posts

  1. How It Works: Fair Trade Certification — 2 comments
  2. What Does Your Scarf Say About you? — 1 comment
  3. Be Fair to Yourself. — 1 comment

Author's posts listings

Sep
23

Create Something

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I work with students when I’m not volunteering at the Mustard Seed.  Recently, I’ve been doing art projects with them, and I’ve been blown away by the creative spirit that comes out of the most unexpected students.  A boy with mild autism confidently brings a dragon to life with india ink and some newsprint.  A… Continue reading »

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Sep
09

Wear Fair.

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A few years ago I traveled to Guatemala with a rag tag group of people to make a documentary about Fair Trade coffee.  This is where I met Marco.  Marco was covered with tattoos, spoke his mind, and inspired people like no one I’ve ever met.  I was immediately impressed with how real this guy… Continue reading »

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Aug
26

Be Fair to Yourself (Part 2)

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This is a continuation from last week’s post “Be Fair to Yourself.” Last week I wrote about the growing risks of cancer due to western eating habits.  It’s one of those touchy subjects.  It’s convenient and simple to continue eating fast foods.  And it really just tastes great.  This is part of what it means… Continue reading »

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Aug
19

Be Fair to Yourself.

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I think Guatemala should start a fair trade relationship with North Americans.  Fair Trade is such a one-way street.  Why are we doing all the helping?  I think it’s time to switch it up a bit. I know for a fact that Guatemalans could help us in a LOT of ways. For instance, stress.  It’s… Continue reading »

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Aug
12

Fair Trade in the Middle East

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After a summer hiatus, I was excited to browse through the Mustard Seed to see what new products we received.  Like usual, I sped immediately to the food area where I was surprised to see a number of Fair Trade products from the West Bank.  For those of you not familiar with the situation in… Continue reading »

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Apr
10

Store of Rock

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Don’t tell our director Jessica, but I’m secretly volunteering at the Mustard Seed to start a fair-trade band.  I know it’s deceptive, but I think outside the box, folks.  Who could resist a handsome fellow like myself playing the singing bowl?  Take a look over there.  Look at those beautiful instruments! Quick, before this gets… Continue reading »

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Feb
13

Fair Trade Journals: How They’re Made

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I love to journal.  You might too - but even if you don’t, you probably know someone who does.  We’ll spend hours writing in a notebook, filling it with ideas and dreams, events and romance.  There’s more to a journal than paper.  In fact, your journal may contain stories you yourself have forgotten.  It’s your life.… Continue reading »

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Feb
09

How It Works: Fair Trade Certification

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Let’s take moment and think of the world like a great big Middle School playground.  Remember those days?  Let’s say you’re an average student.  You’re swinging on the monkey bars, proud of how “rad” you look in front of your friends, and then… you see it.  A group of bullies has descended upon the unsuspecting… Continue reading »

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Feb
06

Simple, Healthy Cooking

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In the 1940′s, A community of people, the Mennonites, began the trend we know today as “Fair Trade.”  Their desire to help those in need manifested itself in every aspect of their lives.  Not only did they believe in helping people through their purchases, but through their meals. Good food brings people together.  In today’s… Continue reading »

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Jan
30

What Does Your Scarf Say About you?

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The things we buy speak worlds about us. And for a good reason. In many ways, we define ourselves by the things we own: The cars (or bikes) we drive, the clothes we wear, the music we enjoy. Even the foods we eat and the way we decorate our homes define what kind of person… Continue reading »

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