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The debate between fair trade and fast fashion has been quite controversial in the public eye. While there have been many arguments made for both sides, there is no debate on which one is better for the workers and the products being made which are fair trade products. Fast fashion may keep up with the trends and fads but fair trade garments maintain quality and are sourced ethically. Now let's dissect both fast fashion and fair trade to get a deeper understanding.  What is fast fashion, fast fashion is the quick cycle that allows companies to make current trending clothing sold by mass markets. When it comes to fast fashion, the up to date and the fast production is what draws most consumers in. It allows them to get the hottest trending clothing pieces in just 3-5 business days after ordering, this is a factor not many can resist. However the way that they go about producing these fast turnaround garments is where the issue lies. In 2023 and 2024 Shein faced serious allegations of 4 incidents of child labor being used in their factories. They have also come under scrutiny in 2022 for maltreatment in their workplaces by only paying their employees $0.40 per product. They made their employees work 16+ hours daily and had only one or no days off per month. This is extremely inhumane and is a big factor of criticism for these giant fast fashion companies like Shein as many operate the same way.  Photo credit to Awamaki Peru Fair trade fashion however promotes everything that is criticised in the fast fashion production. The principles of fair trade that directly advocate against these unfair conditions and practices are the fair trade practices, fair payment, no child labour/forced labour, and good working conditions. Fair trade practices are to uplift those who are struggling with unemployment or moving out of hard living situations. Fair trade gives people in impoverished countries a boost to get a fair and liveable wage instead of the lucrative wages that have been shown in the past and are still continuous in some workshops to this day.  The relationship between fair trade and fast fashion is a hard one for consumers. On one hand you could get cheap and trendy outfits with bad quality but on the other hand if you purchase from a fair trade store or brand you get a good quality garment with fabric that will last years if taken care of well. This compared to the polyester quality that is in the Shein and other fast fashion products that makes them so flimsy, thin, and has no longevity to it. Fair trade is the way to go, it supports artisans around the world, makes a living and helps bring a different part of the world into your home. Nicholas Unruh is a Senior Fashion Design major at Illinois State University and an intern for Crossroads for the Fall 2025 semester. Nicholas enjoys sketching outfits, doing hair and makeup and biking in nature. A fun fact is Nicholas used to be a competitive figure skater for 13 years.

Fair Trade Month is an annual event held in October to raise awareness about fair trade practices and products. It aims to promote fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable practices for farmers and workers in developing countries. The goal of the month is to educate consumers about the importance of supporting fair trade products and the positive impact it has on communities around the world. Fair trade is a trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade. It aims to provide better trading conditions and promote sustainability by ensuring that producers in developing countries receive fair prices for their products, have safe working conditions, and are empowered to improve their communities. Crossroads Fair Trade Goods and Gifts is grateful for 37 years as a fair trade retailer! Learn more about the Principles of Fair Trade .

We love our customers every single day and this week, we want to kick up the celebrations a notch! You voted Crossroads as your favorite gift shop so let's celebrate this week. As a thank you for your nomination, votes and support of our work every day, this week is Customer Appreciation Week . Enjoy 20% off any item at Crossroads Fair Trade starting tomorrow through Saturday, September 20. We're open daily 10 AM - 4 PM, see you soon! We Love Our Customers! Thank you for 37 years of Fair Trade

Illinois State University's Fix It Friday program is an initiative aimed at addressing clothing sustainability efforts across campus and community. Fix It Friday offers basic sewing, mending, and clothing repair at no cost to both our campus and community. We also offer basic shoe and jewelry repair and cleaning.  We are excited to have this team back in store on First Friday, October 3 to bring their skills to Downtown. You're invited to drop off your item in need of mending starting September 22 , then pick of your item after 7:30 that Friday. See the schedule below and stop by to have this talented team bring new life to your clothing item. Learn more about Fix It Friday online!

March 8th is International Women's Day and as a woman-led non-profit business, we take an extra special moment to reflect and celebrate why we're here. "When women thrive, all of society benefits and succeeding generations are given a better start in life." -- Kofi Annan Our Founders! Founded by women and nurtured by women for 35 years, we are forever grateful to our founders Charline Watts, Marilyn Townley and Carol Schrantz (pictured right to left) who started Crossroads in 1988. Their passion for social justice, fairness, and living life fair is what makes Crossroads what it continues to be today. Watch: Why Fair Trade Matters with Charline Watts Our Volunteers! Crossroads is truly grateful for the wonderful, caring, and dedicated force of volunteers who have staffed our store for over 30 years making fair trade a reality in our community! We celebrate the compassion, time, talent, and global experiences they share with us to market products that help empower women and minorities, fight child labor and slavery, respect the hard work of artisans and farmers, and support conservation of the environment Our Community! There are over 50 women-led businesses in Bloomington alone and we're proud to be one of them. Our Vendors! Crossroads has empowered thousands of disadvantaged women through fair trade which supports gender equality and provides opportunities to earn a living. We are grateful for the chance to partner with vendors worldwide to provide quality products for our community. Here are a few of our vendors that are women-led and supported: Fair Anita - Ethical jewelry company investing in women's financial security. Soup of Success - Women's job and life skills empowerment program. Thistle Farms - Works to create healing and hope for women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. Women's Bean Project - Nonprofit social enterprise that offers women the power to transform their lives through employment. Upavim - Supports the women of La Esperanza, Guatemala in their work for better opportunities for themselves and their community.

Warrior. Fearless. Passionate. Advocate. Trailblazer. Inspiration. Role Model. Powerhouse. Charline Watts, one of the co-founders of Crossroads, leaves behind a lasting legacy after 89 wonderful years on Earth. Charline passed on March 9 and the words above are just a few sentiments shared by friends and community leaders. As noted in her obituary, "Charline had a fierce passion for addressing the root causes of injustice in the world and she worked tirelessly to advance initiatives that addressed them." Not only was Charline part of the dynamic trio that brought the vision of Crossroads to life 35 years ago, Charline has founded a summer reading program, Meals on Wheels, a fair trade store in Ohio, and was involved in the Alternative Christmas movement focused on economic justice. Her work making a difference doesn't stop there. Read more about her life's accomplishments and impact in her obituary . Crossroads' team of volunteers and board members sends their heartfelt condolences to the family of Charline Watts. We are grateful for her vision and years of impact and advocacy for the fair trade movement. A celebration of life is scheduled for 2 PM on April 6 at Westminster Village. I’m so grateful and honored to have known this beautiful warrior for all that is good! Such a fearless, passionate, smart and caring woman who has made a difference in so many of our lives! My deepest condolences to all her family. - Donna Brouillet, Board Co-President Charline shares the vision behind Crossroads, bringing fair trade to Bloomington, IL since 1988.

Last Wednesday, the vibrant atmosphere of Illinois State University was alive with excitement as the annual Festival ISU took place. This traditional event helps to connect students with registered student organizations as they explore ways to get involved on campus. On day 2 of the Festival, ISU hosted local nonprofit organizations as part of the Civic Engagement Fair. Students got the opportunity to connect to more than 20 organizations including Crossroads as they learn about volunteer opportunities in their new home. Crossroads volunteers were thrilled to be on site sharing more about fair trade and building connections with students, faculty and staff. Crossroads at Festival ISU 2025

Celebrate our local grads! Save the date and stop by and purchase a wonderful gift for your graduate from Crossroads Fair Trade Goods and Gifts. We also offer gift certificates in store! Illinois Wesleyan University May 4 Illinois State University May 9 & 10 Eureka College May 10 Ridgeview HS May 11 Heartland Community College May 16 Central Catholic High School May 18 Leroy High School May 18 Lexington High School May 18 Heyworth High School May 18 Eureka High School May 18 Clinton High School May 18 El Paso Gridley High School May 18 Olympia High School May 18 Calvary Christian Academy May 23 Tri-Valley High School May 23 Normal Community High School May 24 Normal West Community High School May 24 Cornerstone Christian Academy May 24 Bloomington High School May 25

A lot of fair trade products are handcrafted using recycled items which makes them great gifts for honoring Earth Day! The next time you're in the store, we invite you to learn more about some of the products and how they are helping the Earth as well as the community they are made. Enjoy 20% off any one item in celebration of Earth Day from April 21 - 26. Local Recycling Locations Terracycling DROP OFF LOCATIONS St. Luke Union Church (collection is in the garage in back – collection containers are labeled) 2101 E Washington St Bloomington, IL 61701 —–(corner of Regency Drive and Washington St – open 24 hrs./7 days a week) Questions: Amie Keeton (309) 242-8871 or joelamiekeeton@gmail.com ITEMS ACCEPTED ● GoGo SqueeZ: Accepts all brands squeezable snack plastic pouches and caps (such as Go Go squeeZ, Ella’s, Earth’s Best, etc.). Please leave the cap on to reduce smell and leaking. ● BIC Writing Instruments: All brands of empty writing instruments, glue sticks, watercolor dispensers, paint sets, and flexible packaging ● Brita® or PUR Brigade®: Accepts all brands of pitchers, individual filtration bottles, filters, foil filter packaging, and faucet filtration systems. ● Burt’s Bee Brigade: Accepts any Burt’s Bee products packaging (must be this brand only). ● Cigarette Waste: NO DROP OFF– PLEASE CALL Amie (309) 242-8871 FOR MORE INSTRUCTIONS. Accepts cold extinguished cigarettes, cigarette filters, loose tobacco pouches, outer plastic packaging, inner foil packaging, rolling paper and ash. ● Contact Lens Brigade: Accepts all brands of contact lenses, plus foil and blister packaging. ● Dental and Deodorant Brigade: Accepts all brands toothpaste tubes and caps, toothbrushes, floss containers, mouthwash bottles and caps, plastic deodorant containers and caps; also, plastic soap wrappers from multi-packs. Please note: This brigade does not accept aerosol deodorant cans which go in regular city recycling once they are empty. ● Entenmann’s Little Bites Pouches Brigade: Accepts only Entenmann’s brand Little Bites plastic pouches and clear Entenmann’s Minis packaging. ● Febreze Air Care Brigade: Accepts all brands of air freshener cartridges and plus, packaging and flexible film packaging, and trigger heads (plastic bottles/cans go in regular curbside recycling). ● Gerber® Free Recycling Program: Gerber baby food packaging and small and large hook Gerber baby clothing hangers (must be Gerber brand) ● Honest Kids Drink Pouch Brigade: Accepts any brand drink pouches. ● Late July® Snacks: Late July® Snacks packaging and chip bags (must be Late July brand) ● Solo Plastic Cup Brigade: Accepts ONLY #6 rigid plastic cups – empty, rinse and let dry before donating. No lids, no straws, no other #6 plastic items. ● Kroger Brand Packaging: Recycle flexible plastic packaging from Kroger® brands through this program. ● Gillette Razor Brigade: All brands of blades, razors, and plastic packaging. ● Garnier Skin & Hair Care Brigade: Garnier® skin care and hair care packaging. (Must be Garnier brand) ● ARM & HAMMER & OxiClean Free Recycling Program: ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda pouches,ARM & HAMMER Power Paks Laundry Detergent pouches, OXICLEAN Laundry Detergent Paks pouches, OXICLEAN 2in1 Stain Fighter Power Paks pouches, OXICLEAN White Revive Laundry Stain Remover Power Paks pouches (Must be these brands) ● Rubbermaid® Food Storage Free Recycling Program: Recycle all brands of well-used food storage containers. ● Toys & Games: Hasbro or VTech® & LeapFrog® brands only. Please remove all batteries. ● Tide Recycling Program: Tide Recycling Program accepts fabric care products and packaging from Tide, Gain, Downy & Dreft, and more. Additional items collected (not TerraCycle): ● Lion’s Club collection: Cell phones; home computer printer cartridges (no business-size cartridges); eyeglasses; hearing aids; keys ● Holiday lights, extension cords, etc. ● Aluminum Thrift & Upcycling in Bloomington - Normal area Abundant Thrift 501 N. East St. Bloomington 61701 Opens 10 am. Ph. 309-556-0598 https://abundantthrift.com/ Bargain Bins of Bloomington 474 Wylie Dr. 61705 Opens 10 am. Ph. 217-417-2445 https://www.facebook.com/BargainTimeBins/ Butter Twice & Again 120 E. Beaufort Normal 61761 Opens 11 am. https://www.buttertwiceagain.com/?utm_source=GMB Carle BroMenn Resale Boutique 1322 S. Main, Normal 61761 Opens 10 am. Ph.309-556-7467 https://carle.org/giving/ways-to-give/resale-boutiques Clothes Horse 122 E. Center St. LeRoy 61752 Opens 11:00 Ph.309-468-0015 https://clotheshorse.net/ Clothes Mentor 1407 N. Veterans Pkwy Bloomington 61704 Opens 10 am. Ph. 309-662-0111 https://bloomingtonil.clothesmentor.com/ Cute as a Button Consignment 1531 Ft. Jesse Rd Bloomington Opens 10 am. Ph. 309-663-7276 https://m.facebook.com/shopcaab?_rdr Encore Thrift Store 10840 art. 10 East, Clinton 61727 Opens 9 am. Ph. 217-935-7043 https://www.facebook.com/RemovetheR/ Faith Second Chance NFP 218 E Center LeRoy 61752 Opens 10 am. Ph. 309-962-5683 https://www.facebook.com/faithsecondchancethrift/ (The) Flea Thrift 1236 E.Empire Suite 1 Bloomington 61701 Opens 9 am. Ph.309-660-8834. https://www.thefleathrift.com/ (2) FruGALS Thrift 417 N. Main St. Bloomington 61701 Opens 10 am. Ph. 309-530-5592 https://www.facebook.com/2-FruGALS-Thrift-885141951607787 ISU Share Shop 305 N. School St., Normal 61761 Opens 10 am Wednesdays / Noon Fridays https://sustainability.illinoisstate.edu/engage/share-shop/ Kara & Kaylee’s Kloset 360 Wylie Dr. Suite 710. Normal Varies - check Facebook for current hours https://www.facebook.com/groups/566399040208123/ Love it Once More Thrift Store 1044 E. Jemima St., Clinton Opens 10 am. Mon-Sat. Ph. 217-731-4141 http://loveitoncemore.org/ Neighborhood Thrift. 406 N. Main, Bloomington 61701 Opens 10-6pm Mon.-Sat. Ph.309-827-2500 https://www.facebook.com/neighbor.thrift/ New Beginnings Thrift Shop McLean http://newbeginningsthriftstorewomenshelpcenter.com Once Upon a Child 105 Krispy Kreme Dr. Suite #2 61704 Opens 9-8 pm Mon-Sat. Ph. 309-808-2646 https://www.onceuponachild.com/locations/bloomington-il Plato’s Closet 1407 N. Veteran Pkwy. Bloomington 61704 Opens 10-9 pm Mon-Sat. Ph. 309-662-9844 https://www.platoscloset.com/locations/bloomington-il Spare & Share Shoppe. 111 Ford St. Gridley 61744 Opens 10-4 pm Mon-Fri. / 9-12pm Sat. Ph. 309-747-2693 https://thrift.mcc.org/gridley-spare-share-shoppe/home Worn Again Too 104 E. Main Heyworth 61745 Opens 10 am/ closing times vary. Ph.309-473-3800

First Friday, December 1 Join us for the annual First Friday Window Vignette. At Crossroads, you will find our Wise Women Shop Fair Trade display. Community women will showcase their favorite Fair Trade items in our store windows. We will be open until 8 PM on First Friday. Saturday, December 2 & Sunday, December 3 Continue your holiday celebration and shopping the remainder of the weekend while enjoying 15% off all holiday merchandise. From ornaments to nativities to that perfect gift for the person on your list, shop Fair Trade!

Our Wise Women Shop Fair Trade live vignette window display returns this Friday, December 6 as part of downtown Bloomington's First Friday. See below for our Wise Women who Shop Fair Trade schedule and their affiliation with Crossroads. Follow our social media from December 7 - 24 to learn more about our wise women! 5:00-5:30 Carol Schrantz - Crossroads Co-Founder Marilyn Townley - Crossroads Co-Founder Margaret Rutter - Crossroads Board Member and Long Time Volunteer 5:30-6:00 Joyce Topping - Crossroads Board Member and Long Time Volunteer Katie Pratt - Crossroads Former Volunteer and Marketing Specialist Jen Woodrum - Crossroads Customer 6:00-6:30 Jean Girardi - Friend of Crossroads member and Former volunteer Cathy Fogler-Allen - Friend of Crossroads member and Volunteer Marla Finch - Friend of Crossroads member and Volunteer 6:30-7:00 Yoon Ma - ISU professor and Crossroads customer Mary Campbell - Friend of Crossroads member Gwen Marie - Friend of Crossroads member 7:00-7:30 Mary Aplington - Friend of Crossroads member Cecilia Sanchez - Friend of Crossroads member Lua Travis - Crossroads Supporter and Former owner of Common Ground 7:30-8:00 Sally Bailey - Long time Crossroads Volunteer Delilah Finegan - Friend of Ruby Jones, Crossroads Volunteer Feli Sebastian - Friend of Crossroads member and Former volunteer  Voted Best Window Vignette in 2023 🎉

Read more about this month's sales, events!