Right now, circles inhabit my environment, shaping trees, my round fingers, a clay pot, a light bulb, and my husky, looking up through her round brown and blue eyes, curled up in a circle by my feet. Beyond the immediate visual, I have a circle of friends and community. Together we live and breathe in

This article comes from Martin Rizzi, who has lived in Taxco, Mexico for decades, and worked closely with the artisanal women in support of their fair trade production.  I have visited him, seen his impressive projects, and listened to his accounts of fair-washing artisanal products.  I requested he submit an article documenting his experiences, which

Introductory Comment:  Last year, we worked hard to raise our opposition to ARM’s proposal to mass balance fairtrade gold.  Over 140 companies and individuals signed our petition.   We were most concerned about the fairtrade gold brand.  We wanted the fairtrade gold label when shown on a piece of jewelry to remain a real  assurance