Fair & Square, NYC
Alessandra Plasa
351 votes
Jun 3, 2010
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Fair & Square has a simple vision. To be New York City’s first Fair Trade bar serving wine, beer & artisanal liquors. To be a vibrant business that cares for people & planet. To change the way you think about responsible purchasing. Our daytime coffee shop will compliment our bar, providing a comfortable, stylish, welcoming space that allows you to support clear ethical values.
We purchase without knowing our power. Is your glass of wine driving a community from their land? Does your coffee mean less than $1 a day wages & environmental degradation? Impoverished communities are displaced & further marginalized by business interests seeking diminishing bottom lines. Those at the bottom are forced to pay the highest price. In global business, clearly some are more equal than others.
The solution is to trade fair & combat global poverty with our purchases. Make a positive impact on the world without changing your lifestyle.
Fair & Square, drink for a change!
How I plan on using the money
Fair & Square will use the prize money primarily to develop our NYC venue, in order to promote our vision and create a thriving NYC Fair Trade business.
About me
I’m the founder of Via Nativa Imports, a Fair Trade company that works with Nicaraguan artisans & co-operatives to design & manufacture crafts & jewelry. I’m a steering committee member and volunteer with the NYC Fair Trade Coalition. I have experience within the bar & restaurant industry in NYC.
scott codey said...
Its a totally wonderful idea! I absolutely love the "drink for a change" bit!
Becky said...
Great idea to make fair trade products easily available. Good luck!
Justin Shaw said...
Make alot of square foods!!
Four leaf clover!
Veronica said...
Very good luck!!
Dianne said...
Very good luck!!!!
Fair NYC said...
This competition is such a great opportunity, but voting can be a bit tedious. Some of our members have had quite a lot of trouble with receiving the link and voting.
Fair NYC said...
We love it!!! This is a really exciting Fair Trade initiative! The NYC Fair Trade Coalition is with you all the way!! Fair Trade is a great way to ensure not only a fair price and fair labor conditions for some of the most marginalized people, but it's also a means to empower both producers and consumers to conduct international trade in a way that respects human rights and environmental stewardship. Go Fair & Square!!
Dionne Thornton said...
Every bar in the city should adopt this mission. It's not just a fabulous idea, it's how companies should run. Whether or not you win this contest, you should be very proud of the stand you're taking in the business world. Thank you for contributing to turning the tide on greed and unfair practices!!!!!
Veronica said...
I love this pitch!
Veronica said...
Sometimes the site won't recognize my name and password. I voted the first time, but it won't let me back in....
lshtm alum said...
This is a fabulous idea! Can't wait to see it happen! We'll be your first customers.
Promela Suri said...
I think this is a fabulous idea. Buying fair trade products ensures that communities and individuals are engaged in sustainable practices and they get paid fair wages. This process is essential as it makes sure that the money is going where it is needed , unlike humanitarian aid and other loans, where the operational costs are detrimental to the overall effectiveness. A great idea.Just imagine, if all bars in New York bought fair trade products, a significant percentage of third world workers would be able to afford a decent living.
Promela Suri said...
I think this is a fabulous idea. Buying fair trade products, ensures that communities and individuals are engaged in sustainable practices and they get paid wages. This is process is essential as it makes sure that the money is going and unlike humanitarian aid and other loans, the costs of reaching the needy is minimal. A great idea.Just imagine, if all bars in New York bought fair trade, a significant percentage of third world workers would be able to afford a decent living.