Pennsylvania’s Fair Trade Town

A town of approximately 6,000, Media, Pennsylvania (located just outside Philadelphia), has anointed itself the first “Fair Trade town” in the United States. Locals Ira Josephs, Drew Arata, and Hal Taussig came up with the idea after taking note of the 300-plus designated Fair Trade towns in Europe, that work to minimize their ecological impact and support fair wages and treatment for workers. Using the criteria established by the British and European Fair Trade movements, Media has certified Fair Trade products readily available for purchase all around town. “We wanted to bring the movement home so that other towns in the U.S. will follow,” says Arata. “We don't want to stand alone for long.”