Questions and Answers about Fairtrade in Leighton Linslade.
Why Fair Trade?
Because the alternative is Unfair Trade. Trade rules are heavily weighted against third world producers and we in the richer western countries are the beneficiaries of this unfair situation. Ultimately we must get the rules changed so they are fair to all. The Trade Justice Campaign aims to do this but this will be a long haul. In the meantime, those of us who want to help make a difference, can engage in Fairtrade at one level or another.
What is Fairtrade?
For a product to display the FAIRTRADE Mark it must meet international Fairtrade standards. These standards are set by the international certification body Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO). Producer organisations that supply Fairtrade products are inspected and certified by FLO.
By choosing products with the FAIRTRADE Mark you can be sure that they have been independently certified to ensure producers have been paid a fair and stable price for their products, as well as a social premium to invest in developing their businesses and improving their communities. By choosing Fairtrade products, we play our part in enabling farmers and workers to bring about change today in their own lives and communities, as well as sending our a signal for justice in wider international trade.
How will it taste?
A Fairtrade product won't taste any different to a non - Fairtrade product. There are now so many varieties of Fairtrade products that there will be one that tastes good to you. Many supermarkets also now have their own brands (e.g. all Co-op chocolate is Fairtrade and M & S coffee is now Fairtrade).
Why do prices vary so much?
Prices vary mainly due to economy of scale and competition between retail outlets and as such is no different to other products. How does Fairtrade link with the Trade Justice Campaign? Fairtrade is actually part of the Trade Justice Campaign and useful as a starting point. It is something you can actually link to immediately. Even if you're not a natural campaigner you can buy or sell Fairtrade goods as part of your everyday life and know you are making a difference.
What products are available?
Tea, coffee, chocolate, cocoa, sugar, bananas, mangos and other fresh fruit, dried fruit, juices, biscuits, cakes and snacks, honey, jam and preserves, chutneys and sauces, rice, quinoa, herbs and spices, nuts and nut oil, wines, spirits, ale, confectionary, muesli, cereal bars, yoghurt, ice cream, baby food, flowers, sports balls, sugar body scrub, cotton products including clothing, home ware, cloth toys and cotton wool. At present craft goods do not have the Fairtrade Mark but can be purchased from: Traidcraft, Oxfam and One World shops. What’s so important about tea and coffee? These are important trading commodities (we in the UK can't grow either). Coffee is actually the second most important trading commodity in the world - only second to oil. Also, we all consume a lot of tea and coffee and do so every day, therefore, we buy continuously. Not like a one off item bought as a gesture.
Who awards the Fairtrade Mark?
The Fairtrade Foundation, which undertakes the necessary checking and monitoring of the whole chain from growing to retailing of the finished product, awards the Fairtrade Mark. I already give to Charities working in the developing world Great! But Fairtrade is not a charity. How can we find out more? Fairtrade Foundation: www.fairtrade.org.uk Traidcraft: www.traidcraft.co.uk
How can I recognise a Fairtrade product?
Look for the FAIRTRADE Mark (as top right on every page of this site) – it’s an international symbol certifying that a product is genuinely Fairtrade.
What if the shops I go to don’t sell Fairtrade products?
Then ask them why not! Requests from customers can change buying decisions. Ask the staff to pass on your request to the manager, or speak to them directly. And don't stop with food stores – ask your favourite restaurant or café to include Fairtrade products on their menu.
I already give to Charities working in the developing world
Great! But Fairtrade is not a charity.
What are Fairtrade towns?
A Fairtrade Town is one that has made a commitment to supporting Fairtrade, through raising awareness and using, selling and buying products with the FAIRTRADE Mark. Local residents must recognise the FAIRTRADE Mark and understand its meaning of guaranteeing a better deal for the producers in developing countries. Fairtrade products must also be available in the areas' supermarkets, cafes and places of work.
All over the country, schools, churches and businesses are now adopting Fairtrade policies. Cities, towns and villages, are coming together in support of Fairtrade.
There are also guidelines for Fairtrade Cities, Zones, Boroughs, Schools, Churches, and Universities… see www.fairtrade.org.uk
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How you can help
1 Buy Fairtrade products as part of your shopping.
2 If a shop doesn't stock the Fairtade product you want, please ask them. Shops may be unaware of the demand for these items.
3 Buy Fairtrade tea or coffee for meetings/coffee mornings you organise.
4 Stay informed by subscribing to "Fair Comment" the Fairtrade Foundation's free newsletter.
5 Get your favourite cafe or your workplace to switch to Fairtrade refreshments.
6 Tell your friends about Fairtrade.
7 When buying clothes why not seek out something made from Fairtade Certified Cotton.
8 Organise an event or stall to promote Fairtrade.
9 Choose a fairly traded craft item for the next gift you buy.
Remember that every little helps, so every fairly traded bar of chocolate, gift item, or card that you buy means supporting workers livelihoods. Choose Fairtrade because it works!
What else can I do to support Fairtrade?
AT HOME:
Invite your friends and neighbours around for a cup of Fairtrade coffee or tea.
IN THE KITCHEN:
Go to www.fairtrade.org.uk for a recipe using Fairtrade ingredients.
AT WORK:
Find out who buys the tea and coffee that's served in your workplace and ask them to consider using Fairtrade products. Find out more at www.fairtradeatwork.org.uk
AT SCHOOL/COLLEGE:
Ask your cafeteria to stock Fairtrade Juice and snack bars - tell them that chocolate and muesli bars are good brain food!
ON A SPECIAL OCCASION:
Celebrate with a Fairtrade bottle of wine (Co-op Stores/The Barista Sisters), or a box of Belgian chocolates (Oxfam).
GET INVOLVED:
Leighton Linslade is the first Fairtrade town in Bedfordshire, why not volunteer to give us a hand from time to time - its fun! Or help towards the cost of an event.