Day 21: How to Change the World One Grain at a Time

Organic Fair Trade Rice

I shop for groceries a lot – a number of times a week in fact. It’s not one of my husband’s favourite occupations. Being a “foodie,” I like to take my time getting inspired by food in a grocery store. I have the ability and imagination to see one ingredient and build an entire meal around it. However, I do have a grocery list and have to keep my house stocked with some of the basics. One of my items on my list today was rice.

Simple enough but yet has turned into my GIVE today.

Give 121 / Day 21

One of my favourite stores to shop in is Whole Foods. I feel as though I am giving back to the world by shopping there. Yes, I have heard the term “Whole Pay Cheque” used more than once but I have found the key to shopping at this store. Buy what’s on special when you see it. I also shop at Whole Foods because you can buy a unique range of products you won’t find anywhere else. We are a family of food intolerances and allergies including wheat free, dairy free and egg free. Whole Foods is a must destination for me at least once a week.

Rice was on special today (also on my list) so I chose to buy organic, fair trade rice – 2 bags for $7.00. (My other favourite deal is buy one get one free! Free! Who gives anything for free these days.)

The store carries products that care about our planet and us as individuals. There is a wide range of choice including organic, fair trade, free range, antibiotic free or a combination of these options. Today I bought a combination of these in one item, Alter Eco Fair Trade Jasmine Rice. Fair Trade and organic.

What is Fair Trade and how does it effect the world?

Fair Trade is putting people first.  Its main aim is poverty alleviation. Fair Trade is an internationally-recognised approach to trading which aims to ensure that producers in poor countries get a fair deal. A fair deal includes a fair price for goods and services, decent working conditions, and a commitment from buyers so that there is reasonable security for the producers. By purchasing Fair Trade products we are supporting an industry and the people behind the industry.

Organic is all about putting the earth first.

The word “organic” refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don’t use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease. For example, rather than using chemical weed killers, organic farmers may conduct sophisticated crop rotations and spread mulch or manure to keep weeds at bay.

Double the impact, double the GIVE. I am so please my grocery list item turned into a GIVE because I chose to use my purchasing power to make a difference.

Sorry Uncle Ben’s you lost my business. The only thing I am helping by purchasing Uncle Ben’s rice is putting money in his pocket.

Time Commitment: 0     (I was buying it anyway)

Cost: $0   (On special actually save money!)