Shop Fair

Radio stations are oozing those canned Christmas tunes, and receptionists everywhere are donning tacky holiday sweaters. The kitsch can mean only one thing: 'Tis the season for rampant consumerism. But there is hope, o ye of anti-Wal-Mart spirit. Instead of suffering through the crowds at the nearest big-box behemoth, shoppers who head to Lawrence Fair Trade can spread holiday cheer without exploiting workers or the environment. This loose-knit group of economic activists is sponsoring a Fair Trade Holiday Market, featuring vendors such as Two Hands Worldshop and First Weavers that sell only goods fashioned in a sustainable manner and made by companies that pay living wages to their workers. So make the holidays merry for craftspeople in India and El Salvador, not just corporate execs in Bentonville, Arkansas. The market kicks off today at Ecumenical Christian Ministries (1204 Oread in Lawrence). The weeklong sale is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, call 785-766-9373. Two Hands Worldshop Ecumenical Christian Ministries
Nov. 23-29, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., 2007