Here’s something I never thought I’d say: There’s an upswing to the fact we live in a consumerist society — especially around the holidays.

We kind of like to buy stuff. Shopping has become a parent-child pastime, a mode of therapy for mending broken hearts and, I’ll admit, something that is simply fun to do in our free time.

Even those of us who rattle off questions like, “Was it tested on animals?” “No, really, was it tested on animals?” “Did little starving children make this?” “Is all this packaging necessary?” “What political party does this company make donations to?” enjoy a nice shopping spree.

And what better time to splurge a little than during the holiday season?

I’m not talking about your average iPod, Uggs or even Tiffany’s splurge, though.

I’m talking the kind of splurge that actually helps impoverished people develop a voice in the global economic market, encourages sustainable practices and makes for some of the most unique and beautiful gifts I’ve ever seen.

That’s right. I’m talking about buying Fair Trade.

According to the TransFair USA Web site, some of the main principles of Fair Trade include giving the producers a better price for their product and respectable working conditions — no little kids harmed in the making.

Additionally, their standards require that no genetically modified organisms are used and that methods of agriculture cause less harm to ecosystems — both of which prevent the local people from becoming tools for major agribusiness companies and allows them to be successful without sacrificing the native lands.

Buying Fair Trade helps to prevent the massive human rights and environmental violations that are associated with large multinational corporations.

It allows people who would otherwise not be able to feed themselves or their children to become stronger economically.

By now I’m sure you’re dying to know what kinds of Fair Trade products you can buy for your friends this holiday season.

Happily, nearly every category you would buy traditional products in, you can probably find Fair Trade.

One of my favorite Fair Trade items is jewelry. It’s always stunning and unique.

Another is Fair Trade coffee. It’s the only kind I buy at the store because I probably drink several gallons of it per week, and at that rate, I figure I can probably do some good.

And who knew there is actually a Fair Trade coffee supplier right here at ASU.

According to their Web site, The Newman Center sells coffee from a cooperative in Mexico called Just Coffee.

Even better, The Newman Center is teaming up with the Canon Leadership Program to host an entire Fair Trade event on Hayden Lawn Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Check it out. Buy some ethical coffee and see what amazing gifts (for yourself or someone else) you can find.

Best of all, your conscience can rest easy this holiday season knowing you made a positive change in the lives of the people who need it the most.

Reach Becky at rrubens1@asu.edu.