Modern Slavery & Ethical Consumerism

To introduce students to the harsh realities of modern-day slavery. 

Duration: 
Print3 hours
Objectives: 

Students will:

  • Understand that slavery is still present
  • Study fair trade principles
  • Identify manufacturers that source through fair trade products
  • Visit a local fair trade retail store
Materials: 

Ted Talk, “Photos that bear witness to modern slavery” by Lisa Kristine, January 2012 [http://www.ted.com/talks/lisa_kristine_glimpses_of_modern_day_slavery#t-1133213]

Slavery Footprint [www.slaveryfootprint.org]

Fair Trade Principals: http://www.fairtradeprinciples.org

Fair Trade USA: http://fairtradeusa.org

Examples of fair trade retailers: 1) Fair Phone [https://www.fairphone.com]; 2) Good Weave [http://www.goodweave.org/home.php]; and 3) Patagonia [http://www.patagonia.com/us/footprint]

Instructions: 
Print
  1. Show the Lisa Kristine TED Talk, “Photos that bear witness to modern slavery,” and follow with a discussion.

  2. Students take the Slavery Footprint quiz and learn about the various ways slavery has a role in the supply chains of many items we purchase or use daily.

  3. The class visits Ten Thousand Villages, a fair trade retail store, to learn how they acquire fair trade products and support craftsmanship around the world.