Lost in WTO Translation

Im not really a hardcore activist - I like making change in small ways. I don't like keeping myself angry or opposed to anything, I prefer to do something instead of just complaining or finding fault. Although I feel that this is the role I perfectly fit in, I think its also important to educate oneself about the bigger things ( of course this is differnt from the absolute and universal matters or non-matter if you understand what i mean or don't mean) - we should also be aware about worldly matters that affect everybody such as the recently concluded WTO summit. I suck at economics, in fact I failed ECO 101 with a professor who thought that Eco 101 Economic Theories was all about computations. ( Please do not take Mrs. Macam's Eco 101 class in Ateneo if you really want to learn about Economics). Anyway to cut it short, the WTO is not really my thing and personally the word WTO is a wound that throbs brightly in red but I know it affects all sectors, even the smallest grassroots organization in the far flung provinces and even our very own lifestyles. I know the summit just ended yesterday but until trade becomes fair, WTO is still an issue for everyone. I checked out some sites to get acquainted with the WTO jargon, its history, why it affects us so much et al. Here are some sites for those who are "Lost in the WTO Translation" aka WTO for Dummies like me :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Trade_Organization - Wikipedia's entry on WTO - the simplest introduction, no frills

www.maketradefair.com - this is part of OXFAM's Join the Big Noise campaign. Clear information about WTO. good site for the lazy inquirer.

If you want to learn more....

www.indymedia.org - updates about the WTO protests. Protestors from people's organizations, farmers, fisherfolk, environmental activitists have flocked to HK since early December to remind the WTO panel and delegates about their plight for fair trade.
www.resistwto.blogspot.com - Resist WTO! is a network of groups, organizations and movements opposed to the World Trade Organization. The network rejects imperialist plunder and war that is facilitated by the WTO. This involves local POs and militant groups like Bayan Muna, Anakpawis and Gabriela.

WHAT WE CAN DO :

a) BUY FILIPINO, but note that there are locally made products run by Multinational Brands that dont practice ethical capitalism ( i know i know this term is questionable hahaha).
b) BUY ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUTS - check your labels. Organic is best since there is no pollution through pesticides. some products have Environment Friendly signs labeled. Companies that produce products with pollutants also pollute our water systems, some dump their waste at sea. By patronizing polluting products, you add to the pollution.
c) BUY FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS. Fair trade coffee, fair trade sneakers, et al, again, check your labels
d) this only means, BEING AN ETHICAL CONSUMER trying not to buy pirated or extraordinarily cheap bargains from divisoria or quiapo or other bargain markets since most of the products being sold are made in sweat shops and likely runs production with child labor. If you can avoid buying, then good. i know its tough especially since we are a developing country and we thrive on cheap goods from China or other Asian countries. There are also big brand names that satelite their factories in developing countries and run in poor working conditions and low pay. Check out the brands you patronize. Perhaps the best practice is to CONSUME LESS.
e) if you buy from local Indegenous Peoples or bazaars that showcase products from grassroots cooperatives, ngo's, best not to ask for a cheaper price ( "tumawad"). PAYING FOR THE RIGHT PRICE sustains their livelihood and their cause.
f) AVOID WASTE as well, because part of trade issues is about dumping of wastes. DONATE your old stuff, give them away, buy longer lasting products as well so you reduce waste.

Bottomline, BE A CONSCIOUS CONSUMER.

READ THE LABELS, KNOW WHERE IT COMES FROM - WHOSE HANDS MAKE IT, KNOW THE INGREDIENTS, KNOW WHERE AND HOW IT ENDS UP AFTER YOU'VE CONSUMED IT.

Read more about the issue. Relate the issue to how it affects you and others. Because obviously, it does.

What is FAIR TRADE?
Fair Trade involves the following principles:

Producers receive a fair price - a living wage. For commodities, farmers receive a stable, minimum price. Forced labor and exploitative child labor are not allowed
Buyers and producers trade under direct long-term relationships
Producers have access to financial and technical assistance
Sustainable production techniques are encouraged
Working conditions are healthy and safe
Equal employment opportunities are provided for all
All aspects of trade and production are open to public accountability

Know more about Fair Trade
Sign the Petition to Make Trade Fair