While the nation’s economy is struggling through a recession, some local businesses with unique selling points do not appear to be feeling the effects yet.Local businesses that provide customers with the option of purchasing socially responsible products have not yet seen negative effects of the state of the country’s economy.Highland Coffees, located in the Northgate area of the University, is just one local business that purchases and sells socially responsible products.Fair trade products are those produced by companies who provide a legal minimum wage and a living wage. These products comply with all state, national and international laws and are produced in a safe working environment.Eco-friendly products are any recycled or organic products free of harmful chemicals. Socially responsible products are made by a company or business that acts in a manner that affects society positively.Clarke Cadzow, manager and owner of Highland Coffees, says his store has not really seen any negative effects because coffee is on a smaller scale.”Purchasing coffee is different than buying a house or a car,” Cadzow said. “There are different factors that affect the price of coffee.”Worldwide factors affect the price of coffee and since the coffee is roasted in the store, it has even less of an effect on the price, Cadzow said.”If the worldwide demand for coffee goes up or down, that would have an effect on our prices,” Cadzow said. “Our business has been solid this semester, and unless this recession lasts for a long time, I don’t think our prices will change.”—-Contact Joshua Chenier at [email protected]