MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee may become the first "fair trade city" in the United States.

Hundreds of cities and towns in Europe have signed on to the effort to promote fair trade of everything from coffee and chocolate to baby food.

The goal is to encourage people to steer clear of products from sweatshops.

According to the Legislative Reference Bureau, to be considered a fair trade town or city, the following goals must be met in accordance with the requirements outlined by Fair Trade Towns in Europe:

• The local council passes a resolution supporting fair trade and agrees to serve fair trade tea and coffee in its offices.
• A range of fair trade products is readily available in shops and local cafes and catering businesses in the area.
• Fair trade products are used by numerous workplaces and community organizations.
• There is media coverage and popular support for the Fair Trade Town campaign.
• A local fair trade steering group is convened to ensure continued commitment to its Fair Trade Town status.

A similar group that formally certifies or designates a town or city as "Fair Trade" exists in the United States, but a number of towns, including Media, Pa., and Brattleboro, Vt., have informally followed the European guidelines, the bureau said.

The proposal goes before the full Milwaukee Common Council this week.

• Milwaukee Common Council Master Detail Report: Resolution declaring the City of Milwaukee a Fair Trade City