A Very Quick Recap of the past 3 weeks: my big mouth had me proposing Fair Trade Coffee for Lime , I've pondered why Fair Trade really is a good idea, I've survived my fear of a heartbreak, and this week had some good news.

In researching Fair Trade and talking to coffee producers, I’ve discovered a genuine willingness to support Fair Trade—in fact most coffee companies have some sort of specialty or gourmet line that proudly carries the Fair Trade Logo.

Which means, it is really up to you and me. 70% of American consumers say they are willing to spend on companies who consider (and care about) the social and environmental impact of their business. And this isn’t all talk; sale of Fair Trade Certified Coffee has grown on average nearly 75% a year since 1999. Thank you, America!

Transfair USA has a delightful facts sheet on coffee. I’ll give you a quick overview, but you can also download it and feel good about spending your money in a way that matters:

Most surprising is Dunkin’ Donuts' commitment to Fair Trade. (Dear Dunkin’ Donuts, please accept my most sincere apologies for judging before knowing!) In 2003 they became the first national brand to sell espresso beverages that are made exclusively with Fair Trade Certified™ coffee.

And as of 2005, when Costco’s Kirkland Signature Brand converted to Fair Trade Certified Starbucks’ beans, and Café Bom Dia – a producer of organic, Fair Trade, Brazilian coffees – partnered with SAM’S CLUB to offer a Fair Trade Certified French Roast blend - an estimated 80 million American households have access to Fair Trade Coffee through the clubs.

As for me and my quest to transition Lime’s office in New York to a 100 % organic and Fair Trade certified coffee distributor, I have finally connected with Equal Exchange and I’m loving them. I’ve scheduled a follow-up with our most excellent office manager Marianne, in which I have some good news to present: not only does Equal Exchange come in under my price point, but they offer a wide selection of products, all organic and Fair Trade Certified—and if all goes well, they might also provide our brewing equipment (still negotiating...).

And while I have your attention, which I am very grateful for, I’m shamelessly going to promote Black Gold premiering this Friday, October 6th. Check their web site for listings of theaters close to you. Having seen the movie back in June, I left the theatre a reformed coffee addict, resulting in some serious research, this blog, and some of the best coffee I have ever had.

And what more could you really wish for?