close

Earth-friendly island business recognizes Fair Trade Month

3 min read

Touting itself as an earth-friendly establishment, Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery is recognizing Fair Trade Month. Owned and operated by island residents Scott and Diane Limpitt, the St. James business has become very popular with those going green and natural as it is a place to find items that will please the senses yet remain kind to the environment — in addition to supporting the efforts of Fair Trade.

At Earth and Spirit, guests will find a wide selection of native plants as well as other landscaping items like custom-made water features and fountains sure to add a calming feel to any backyard environment. In addition, the gallery offers numerous styles of artwork produced locally, and a large selection of “Fair Trade” staples. On the shelves at Earth and Spirit are fair trade goods that include coffee, tea and cocoa.

Fair trade in an organized movement aimed to help producers of goods throughout the world to bring their products to consumers and aid them in becoming more competitive in the world market place. Fair trade is accomplished by eliminating the “middle man” when it comes to distributing items that are produced in areas of the world where financial revenue is critical to the existence of Third World farmers. This social movement is geared to working with these producers to help move them closer to economic self-sufficiancey and stability.

Much of the focus of fair trade is on exported products such as bananas, coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, rice, olive oil, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit, chocolate and flowers that are sent to developed countries such as the United States. Several social and religious groups have become actively involved in fair trade in recent years and include Christian Aid, SERRV, International, Oxfam, Amnesty International, Catholic Relief Services and Caritas International.

Earth and Spirit will celebrate its grand re-opening Friday, Oct. 23. During the winter season, Earth and Spirit will be open for business Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Owner Scott Limpitt has 25 years of experience in the landscaping business and is a self-taught metal artist specializing in water features, and Diane is a religious educator and business leader. She conducts retreats, workshops and other similar gatherings.

The Limpitts have hosted several events under the gazebo at Earth and Spirit that have included social gatherings, weddings and the crowning of the 2009 MangoMania Queen during the June Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce After-hours Business Card Exchange.

In addition, Earth and Spirit will participate in Art Night during Creative Coast weekends and will offer guests a chance to experience the garden as well as the gallery which houses artwork, jewelry, pottery and other items produced by local artisans.

For more information about Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery, call 282-1025 or visit, earthandspiritgardengallery.com