Oxfam America part 3

World Trade could be a powerful force for reducing poverty if poor people could sell their products at a decent price. What's stopping them? The gross injustice of the World Trade System. I experienced this first had last year when I traveled to Chennai, India. You'd see a farmer selling his fruit in the market with his family. Two feet from him would be a vendor selling fruit out of a crate with Dole and Chaquita stamped on the side. I took the image below in Chetpet, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.

The video below continues to follow Chris Martin on his video diary through Ghana, Africa.

Crash Effect my not yet have the success of Coldplay but we do share the same values when it comes to social justice, indigenous and minority rights, and global trade.
I realize the gravity of the following statement and also want to declare that Crash Effect has the vision, motivation, and drive to come alongside bands like Coldplay and U2 and hopefully pick up where they leave off and carry the torch even farther. As I mentioned in Oxfam America part 1, 10% of all income right off the top is donated to charity. This is really what drives us as a band. The music is almost secondary. Almost. We use our music as a platform to help educate and donate. Our big goal is to eventually increase the percentage of giving to charity. We also do our best to create products that are organic and sweatshop free. If you purchase a shirt you are supporting the band and good causes as well.
I encourage you to look before you purchase when it comes to clothing. I am as guilty as the next person when it comes to owning clothes that were made and sold unfairly. What I can tell you is that now that I have been educated I will investigate what is behind that name on the tag.

Oxfam America part 2

Oxfam Ireland and Make Trade Fair teamed up and sent Coldplay's Chris Martin to Africa to see firsthand the extreme poverty endured by so many and how fair trade in these areas can improve the lives of those who live and work there. We will continue to follow Chris in the next blog entry.
I also enjoy the look on Simon Pegg's (Shaun of the Dead / Hot Fuzz) face when Chris opens the video. Simon is a hilarious guy and it's funny to see him go "oh, I need to put on a serious face immediately"

Along the same lines as the video above. The video below goes after the mother of coffee chains herself, Starbucks. What I can't figure out is why the Empire chose to take action (Vader himself was representing) and not the Rebels, the Wookies, or the Ewoks. I think they should get off their furry little asses and help make a difference. All joking aside. There is a great message here. Hopefully Starbucks will take action and lead the charge for other coffee chains to take suite.

Oxfam America part 1

Crash Effect donates 10% off the top of all income to a
rotating list of Charities.
All income from album sales, shows, merchandise, etc.
10% right off the top is donated.
Each band member has a charity of their choice that they have picked. Oxfam America is my charity of choice.


Oxfam America is committed to creating lasting solutions to global poverty, hunger, and social justice. They are a non-profit organization that works to end global poverty through saving lives, strengthening communities, and campaigning for change.
Oxfam America works on the scene, helping people gain the hope, skills, and direction to create a new future. Issues that they are currently working on are helping people make a living, natural resources, peace and security, equality for women, indigenous
and minority rights, and global trade.

Oxfam America is involved in great campaigns that I highly encourage you to check out to get educated and involved with.