Fairtrade
“The rules and practices of international trade are biased in favour of rich countries and powerful companies, often to the cost of poor producers. Buying Fairtrade changes the lives of millions of people world-wide and shows how trade can be made to work in favour of poor people and the environment.”
We are all involved in trade and often as buyers of products such as food, clothes and sports goods that come from developing countries. The way we trade can determine whether or not families in these countries have enough to eat and whether or not they can afford to send their children to school.
Often, the producers of the goods we buy are paid less than a living wage and have to work in unsafe conditions without the entitlements that we in the UK would see as basic human rights. Fairtrade is a growing, international movement that ensures that producers in developing countries get a fair deal. This means: a fair price for their goods (one that covers the cost of production and provides a living income); a long-term relationship that provides real security; support to gain the knowledge and skills that they need to develop their businesses sustainably and increase sales.
Fair Trade products come in all shapes and sizes, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, sugar, fruit juice, alcohol, fresh fruit, dried fruit, rice, pasta, nuts, jam, honey, snack bars, chocolate, sweets, cake, sports balls, crafts, jewellery, clothes, flowers, to name a few! (Take a look at our directory to see where you can find these products in Swansea.)
The Fairtrade Foundation licenses the FAIRTRADE Mark to products which meet internationally recognised standards. Sales of products carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark in 2004 topped £140m. Amongst the 20 countries across Europe, North America, Japan and Australia/New Zealand and Mexico that make up Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO), the UK has the largest Fairtrade market.
For further information please visit www.fairtrade.org.uk
We are all involved in trade and often as buyers of products such as food, clothes and sports goods that come from developing countries. The way we trade can determine whether or not families in these countries have enough to eat and whether or not they can afford to send their children to school.
Often, the producers of the goods we buy are paid less than a living wage and have to work in unsafe conditions without the entitlements that we in the UK would see as basic human rights. Fairtrade is a growing, international movement that ensures that producers in developing countries get a fair deal. This means: a fair price for their goods (one that covers the cost of production and provides a living income); a long-term relationship that provides real security; support to gain the knowledge and skills that they need to develop their businesses sustainably and increase sales.
Fair Trade products come in all shapes and sizes, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, sugar, fruit juice, alcohol, fresh fruit, dried fruit, rice, pasta, nuts, jam, honey, snack bars, chocolate, sweets, cake, sports balls, crafts, jewellery, clothes, flowers, to name a few! (Take a look at our directory to see where you can find these products in Swansea.)
The Fairtrade Foundation licenses the FAIRTRADE Mark to products which meet internationally recognised standards. Sales of products carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark in 2004 topped £140m. Amongst the 20 countries across Europe, North America, Japan and Australia/New Zealand and Mexico that make up Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO), the UK has the largest Fairtrade market.
For further information please visit www.fairtrade.org.uk
Go Fairtrade
"Going Fairtrade" is easy!
You can start by simply changing your usual brand of tea or coffee to Fairtrade equivalents. Most supermarkets have plenty to choose from, or for real ethical consumerism you could buy it from a charity. If you're having difficulty persuading your friends or work colleagues, how about organising a taste testing session without the labels! You could try changing your favourite chocolate bar, fruit or cereal and if you're in a sports club, why not change to Fairtrade footballs or rugby balls?
It’s easy to get hold of leaflets and posters, particularly when it's close to Fairtrade Fortnight (the first two weeks of March). You could put up a display in your office or school or give out free samples. Materials are available directly from suppliers or the Fairtrade Foundation.
If you decide to "Go Fairtrade" in your business or school in Swansea, let us know – we are compiling a list of Fair Trade organisations which helps us to maintain our status as a Fairtrade City.
You can start by simply changing your usual brand of tea or coffee to Fairtrade equivalents. Most supermarkets have plenty to choose from, or for real ethical consumerism you could buy it from a charity. If you're having difficulty persuading your friends or work colleagues, how about organising a taste testing session without the labels! You could try changing your favourite chocolate bar, fruit or cereal and if you're in a sports club, why not change to Fairtrade footballs or rugby balls?
It’s easy to get hold of leaflets and posters, particularly when it's close to Fairtrade Fortnight (the first two weeks of March). You could put up a display in your office or school or give out free samples. Materials are available directly from suppliers or the Fairtrade Foundation.
If you decide to "Go Fairtrade" in your business or school in Swansea, let us know – we are compiling a list of Fair Trade organisations which helps us to maintain our status as a Fairtrade City.