Fair trade clothing line Alta Gracia is now available at the University of St. Thomas Bookstore. The line consists of two sweatshirts and three T-shirts.
Yan Yan Teague, one of the students who has worked with the Bookstore on this project, explains that “fair trade clothing is sweatshop-free clothing. Workers are paid a salary that allows them to provide for themselves and their families.”
Fair trade clothing is easy to identify. “We have a wall display in the UST Bookstore,” says clothing and gift buyer Colleen Utecht. “Look for the Alta Gracia signature tag.”
The clothing seems to be selling well, added Bookstore manager Tony Erickson. "I think our students are very receptive to these products," he said. "We sold a lot at freshman orientation."
Jim Keady, director of Educating for Justice, will give a talk about fair trade and how St. Thomas community members can contribute to the movement on Thursday, Nov. 10. Educating for Justice is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting justice and peace worldwide. Keady’s mission is to improve working conditions for factory workers overseas. He will speak at 7 p.m. in Room 126, John R. Roach Center for the Liberal Arts.
The Bookstore is planning a one-day fair trade clothing sale near Thanksgiving.
