Imagine if your afternoon coffee break did more than ready you for the rest of the workday. What if it made a difference in the lives of farmers or workers and helped move the world towards sustainability? It is not a big commitment, but by the simple act of switching your coffee to a Fairtrade brand today you will make a difference in someone's life tomorrow.

First, however, what is Fairtrade really? It guarantees better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. The reality of production in these countries has not been seen; just as the foamy top of a café latte covers the true drink underneath, we only see the benefits of the farmers' struggles rather than the issues surrounding our luxuries that lay just out of sight.Coffee farmers, for example, receive compensation that does not cover production costs, and banana farmers are forced to expose themselves to harmful pesticide yet do not even receive enough money in return to support their families. Fairtrade, on the contrary, makes sure they obtain a fair and stable price for the product, advance payments, long-term trading relations, and that they use environmentally sustainable farming methods. The ultimate goal is the producer's independence, and Fairtrade provides active support in gaining the necessary knowledge and skills for both management and productions.

In Japan, our awareness of Fairtrade is still very low even after 20 years since it was first launched in the country. However, in Europe a wide range of Fairtrade products are available at almost any supermarket and the government itself promotes the use of Fairtrade products: at institutions such as the House of Commons, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department for International Development and the Treasury, and the Department of Health in UK all the coffee served has been switched to Fairtrade coffee.

Companies in Europe are not exceptions either: there are many which have switched to Fairtrade certified coffee, Microsoft UK, Merrill Lynch UK, Volkswagen, and IBM Germany, to name a few. Since participation in Fairtrade helps protect human rights and the environment, some corporations have actually adopted Fairtrade as one of the means of their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibilities) activities as well as purchasing Fairtrade products, which has been known to the morale at the workplace and foster a better work environment.

Although Japanese companies are still not very much familiar with Fairtrade, bringing the idea into your workplace is not difficult. Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd., known for its "MUJI" brand, has sold a variety of Fairtrade coffees and teas which are even available in Pet bottles. ASKUL Corporation, one of the major office supply companies, has also offered Fairtrade coffee in their latest catalogue as well as organic certified and Rainforest Alliance certified brands. As awareness of Fairtrade issues spreads across the globe, some corporations have taken initiative; Dai Nippon Printing Co.Ltd., for example, serves Fairtrade coffee to their visitors and workers. NTT Communications has also provided Fairtrade coffee at their cafeteria and put posters about Fairtrade to raise awareness of their workers.

It may be just a cup of coffee, but what if "just a cup of coffee" could make a difference? Coffee might be able to bring you a smile, and by choosing Fairtrade, you can bring a smile to the world, too.