Millions of Americans kick their brains into gear
each morning with a tall mug of steaming coffee. Until recently, the most
important decision they had to make was, "one lump or two?" But now, the sleepy
masses can bring their sense of economic fair play to bear as well: They can
choose to gulp certified "Fair Trade" coffee. The product promises impoverished
Third World growers a larger portion of the profits, while consumers get a more
eco-friendly cup of java. There’s more at stake than what’s in the percolator,
however. Fair Trade coffee may demonstrate that compassionate social policies
don’t have to pour from Congress’s spout. They can be shaped by individual
shoppers armed with a few spare coins and a little information.
