International trade practices dramatically reduce the price of commodity products like coffee, tea and chocolate. While this may benefit large corporations, it has a catastrophic impact on the lives of millions of small-scale producers in the developing world. When prices fluctuate low enough that they don't even cover the cost of crop production, many farmers are forced into crippling debt or lose their land and homes.

We, as consumers, can improve the situation for these farmers by buying products that were purchased from them on the basis of a fair trade. We sell Fair-Trade coffee, tea and chocolate every Sunday. Look for us downstairs in the vestry after the church service.

First Universalist Recycles!

The Green Spirit Committee coordinates a program to recycle the plastics, aluminum cans, paper, paperboard, and cardboard that our church consumes. This is not part of the Sexton's duties, so it's up to volunteers to get these materials to a recycling center each week. If you would like to sign up for a month of recycling, please email the church office. Your involvement is greatly appreciated.

Library Resources

We have stocked our library with various magazines that provide a host of ideas for how to live more "greenly." Here are a few to whet your palate:

You can buy "plastic" forks, etc. that are actually made from biodegradable corn products. Order them from www.environgentle.com.
English ivy, though beautiful, is a non-native invasive plant and should be discouraged, particularly from growing up tree trunks. Replace English ivy with native plants that serve a similar purpose. Look for them on www.enature.com, or ask your nursery for advice.
Cosmetics can contain toxic chemicals. To check whether your cosmetics are safe or not, go to www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep.

Look for more green guidance in our well-appointed library.

First Universalist Church • 207.846.4148 • 97 Main Street, Yarmouth, Maine 04096