Dear Co-op America,
I enjoy sewing and prefer to use eco-friendly fabrics. Can you help me find sources of hemp, hemp-blend and organic fabrics by the yard?
– Ann Byrd

Of course! As you undoubtedly know, eco-fabrics are great for the earth for multiple reasons. Conventional cotton farming uses tons of toxic pesticides, which are not employed when growing organic cotton. And hemp is a sturdy plant that can be grown easily without pesticides. Also, by choosing eco-fabrics, you're most likely supporting small, family farmers or farmers' cooperatives.

   You can order fabric from these companies, or ask your local store to stock their goods:
•  The Moonbath Shop (www.moonbathshop.com) sells hemp, hemp-blend and organic-cotton fabrics.
•  Heart of Vermont (802-476-3098, www.heartofvermont.com) offers organic-cotton fabrics in a variety of     textures.
•  If you're into interior decorating, Greensage.com and Furnature (800-326-4895, www.furnature.com) sell     fabric for upholstery and window treatments in organic cotton. Greensage.com also offers hemp, hemp-blend     and other natural fibers.
•  If you need fabrics for formal wear, Organicweddings.com offers beautiful hemp, hemp-silk blends and silk     fabrics.
•  NearSea Naturals (877-573-2913, www.nearseanaturals.com) specializes in organic cotton, organic wool and     hemp-wool blend fabric and notions.
•  Organic Cotton Plus (866-784-0374, www.organiccottonplus.com) lives up to its name with a variety of     colors and textures.
•  Find plenty of hemp and hemp-blend fabrics at Earth Friendly Goods (877-447-1521,    www.earthfriendlygoods.com).
• Wildrose Farm Organics (218-562-4864, www.wildrosefarm.com) not only offers organic cotton, but also     fleece made from recycled soda bottles.

Dear Co-op America,
I've been hearing that Fair Trade Certified™ fruit has arrived in the United States. What types of fruit are available, and how do I find them?
– Jean in Los Angeles

   You're right – Fair Trade Certified™ fruit is available. While bananas are the most prominent Fair Trade fruit, certified mangoes, grapes and pineapples are being stocked in select markets as well.

    Fair Trade ensures that fruit farmers receive a fair price for their crops – one that allows them to meet their basic needs, feed their families, employ eco-friendly production methods and improve their communities. It also guarantees that they work under healthy and safe conditions. “Without Fair Trade, fruit farmers often receive only a few cents a pound for their crops, far below the cost of production,” says independent Fair Trade certifier TransFair USA.

  To find a seller of Fair Trade Certified™ fruit near you, visit Transfair USA's website at www.transfairusa.org/content/shop/bananas_wheretobuy.php. If your local store does not carry Fair Trade fruit, join Co-op America's campaign to make Fair Trade products available locally. Adopt a nearby supermarket and ask the manager to stock Fair Trade bananas, as well as Fair Trade coffee, chocolate and tea. Co-op America has articles on Fair Trade products available online at www.realmoney.org, which you can give out to educate store managers. For more information, visit Co-op America's Fair Trade site, www.fairtradeaction.org, and click the “Fair Trade Alliance” link.

“Living Green” is brought to you by Co-op America, a national nonprofit that provides green living, purchasing and investing tips and resources. To join Co-op America and get a free copy of the National Green Pages™ directory of green businesses, call (800) 58-GREEN or visit www.coopamerica.org. E-mail Living Green questions to livinggreen@coopamerica.org.