The Fair Trade Coalition will be hosting a presentation on Friday as a part of Fair Trade Week, based off the idea of consuming with a conscience. 

Roy Lanham, an adviser for the Fair Trade Coalition, said the event is to make students and residents aware of the effects a consumer has on fair trade issues worldwide.  

“The first step is always compassion and awareness,” Lanham said.

Lanham said by consuming with a conscience, it is a greater step to solving these issues on a global scale. 

By making conscience choices, it begins to transform the individual, Lanham said. 

Jonathan Jones, a junior physics major, said he became involved with the event when it was a part of Haiti connection.  

 “I was exposed to these ideas of economic justice around the world and I thought they were really important,” Jones said. 

Jones said the event will include a free dinner of soup and bread and a laid back discussion of recent events.  

A presentation about consuming with a conscience and a discussion will follow the dinner, Jones said.  

“What we are trying to do is to sum up what we have learned through the different speakers we have had on campus this week,” Jones said.

Jones said it is important for people to understand the impact consumption has on the world.  

What people consume can make the world a better place or a worse place, Jones said.  

It is often easiest to consume the cheapest foods, however it only has a positive impact on society in the short term, Jones said.  

Jones said by consuming items that are socially conscience, it effects society positively in the long term. 

Eastern students can benefit from the presentation, Jones said, because he said he thinks college students are at a time in their lives when they are more open to new ideas.  

Jones said he also thinks the idea of consuming with a conscience does not apply just to college students.  

 Jones said he believes this idea is applicable to any person who is a part of the human race.  

Since joining the coalition, Jones said he has become aware of the impact that the American consumer has on the international market. 

“I do not think I really realized before the impact our decisions can make on people worldwide,” Jones said. 

The presentation will take place at 6 p.m. today in the Hedwig House of Hospitality at 227 Jackson Avenue.  

 Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or kjrichter@eiu.edu.