2 billion people in the world live on less than $2 a day. But how can we fight global poverty? Through fair trade! The moment we sip our coffee in the morning, we are participating in the global economy. Consumers rule the world. Through supply & demand, consumers decide exactly what is for sale by businesses. But with great power comes great responsibility. Consumers can demand how products are made, too. Everyday purchases should be an extension of our values. Empower producers through fair trade. Educate, support, & shop! Consumerism doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Stand for fairness. Join the movement.

Benjamin Conard is a junior Business Administration major and German minor at SUNY Geneseo. He is the founder & president of the Fair Trade Club on campus, the Student Chair on the National Steering Committee for Fair Trade Colleges & Universities, and a Communications Intern for the World Fair Trade Organization. In his spare time, Ben like to juggle & unicycle around campus.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx