Leson, Gero

Leson was born in Cologne Germany and came to California in 86 to get a doctorate in environmental science and Engineering from UCLA. He has more than 20 years of project experience in the fields of environmental technology and management, the sustainable use of renewable resources, such as industrial hemp, and in recent years in international development projects. As Dr. Bronner’s Director of Special Operations, Leson coordinates the conversion of Dr. Bronner’s raw materials for soaps and cosmetics to sources that are certified as “organic” and “fair trade”. Initial projects include a coconut oil mill in Sri Lanka that purchases from family-owned estates, a small-holder project for palm oil in Ghana and close cooperation with Canaan Fair Trade, a company in the West Bank that purchases olive oil from more than 1500 smallholders organized in the Palestine Fair Trade Association. Project activities are diverse. They involve grower recruitment and certification, the selection of technology, construction, management of production teams and suppliers, development of organic fertilizer supplies – and trying to find out “what’s fair?” and what to do about it? Panel Why Fair Trade Matters: The Human Face Behind the Label A quiet revolution is happening across the globe, affecting the products we use each day. Fair Trade is helping producers build the means to make a better living, maintain their traditional lifestyles with dignity, and create a brighter future for their children. While bringing to light the human stories behind this expanding social justice and environmental movement, panelists will share what youcan do to support Fair Trade in your neighborhood, and, in turn, help families and communities around the world.