Thinking Globally

Global Fayre offers a variety of fair trade finds, from coffee and tea to jewelry and handbags.

THE SHOP: Global Fayre, 324 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-873-9792. (Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.)

ATMOSPHERE: Like most places downtown, the inside of Global Fayre features exposed brick, high ceilings and wood floors. What sets it apart is the warmth you feel the minute you walk in the door. Or maybe it’s just the smell of the fair trade coffee samples being brewed. Sunny yellow walls and red brick enhance the bright colors of the global wares found all over the store.

KEY PEOPLE: David and Cheri Crump opened their store in December 2007, but they had been selling products previously at the Farmer’s Market on Commercial Street. They also own Crump Consulting, but promoting fair trade is their passion.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND: Before I began shopping, David gave me a quick lesson in fair trade. Fair trade began about 25 years ago when coffee farmers couldn’t make enough money to afford the product they were selling. The idea behind fair trade is to give more value to the product and empower farmers and workers to invest in their communities. It also helps people develop business skills and learn to protect the environment. Regardless of where the item comes from, fair trade practices are beneficial to all of us.

But the shopping is the best part of Global Fayre. I met David at the counter, where I admired the sterling silver jewelry made by the Nahuatl Indian tribe of Mexico. I especially loved a necklace and earring set with blue and green inlay ($48), but also loved the assorted bangle bracelets ($15 each) and the delicate barrettes ($7-12 each).

A wall of colorful handbags and totes caught my eye next. I was drawn to an orange messenger bag ($56), which was made from recycled mosquito netting from Cambodia. The decorative stitching gave it a very fashion-forward feel, but I liked the fact it was lightweight. Also from Cambodia was a gorgeous two-toned silk evening bag ($34) in turquoise and coral. Dress up, look chic and save the world? Yes, please!

It’s the home accessories that shine at Global Fayre and I found a vast array to suit almost any décor. My favorites were the silk pillow covers (starting at $38) from India made of saris. The rich colors, intricate beadwork and delicate embroidery would give life to the plainest sofa or chair. David also brought out a gorgeous wall tapestry featuring an array of sari patterns for $85. As a metalsmith, I had to admire the hammered copper vessels made by the Purepecha Indians of Central Mexico. All of the pieces are made from recycled copper and are created by hand. They are such beautiful works of art that samples are on display at The Smithsonian. A small vessel starts at $75.

Promoting fair trade isn’t just about other nations. Global Fayre also has terrific products made here in the United States. I liked the soup mixes by the Women’s Bean Project in Denver, Colorado. Try the Firehouse #10 Hot Chili Mix or the Six Bean Organic Soup for $6 each. Keep clean with luxurious soaps and gels by Enterprising Kitchen in Chicago. I liked the citrus zest soap block ($5) and the lemon sage shower gel ($8).

Since fair trade started with coffee, you won’t want to miss the selection of delicious coffees and teas Global Fayre has to offer. Equal Exchange coffee from Latin America is not only fair trade, but organic and sells for $8.80 per 12 ounces. Tea-lovers can enjoy loose-leaf or bag varieties of teas by Equal Exchange or Rishi Teas. Equal Exchange bag teas are $4 for 25 bags, and Rishi loose tea is $5.99 for 1 ounce.

417 VERDICT: Save the world one purchase at a time by shopping at Global Fayre. One word of advice: if you see something you love, buy it! There’s no guarantee it will be there on your next visit.

Where in the World... Global Fayre gets its products:

Africa

Zimbabwe
Kenya
Ghana

South America

Ecuador
Guatemala
Peru

USA

Denver
Chicago

India

Sri Lanka

Pakistan

Mexico

...and more