Fairtrade is a widely recognised label and it is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. When you see the Fairtrade label on a product, it means that the workers throughout the supply chain are not subject to injustice and are not discriminated against because of their vulnerable state. It means they have been given control of their future and lead the dignified life that everyone deserves.
"The choices you make when you buy your food, drink, clothes etc will always have an impact on the people who made/farmed them, so by choosing Fairtrade you are positively impacting on the people in this world and the climate."
Fairtrade Fortnight is a campaign that has been used to raise awareness about all things Fairtrade and what you can do to help. This year, from 22nd February to 7th March 2021, the theme is 'Choose The World You Want'.
Fairtrade Fortnight 2021 will focus more on how the climate has changed and how the people that are getting affected by this change, are the people that are least likely to have contributed to this. These innocent people are having to deal with droughts, floods, heatwaves and unpredictable harvests, which is difficult enough as it is. However, the poverty that usually riddles these farming communities in places like Ethopia, Honduras and Kenya, makes it even more challenging and in some places impossible to live and deal with climate change. This means we need to be making better consumer choices, as it is even more important that these farmers are paid a fair price for their produce and time.
Did you know Fairtrade is not just about people? It is also about protecting our planet and the environment too, which is perfect because we think these are equally important at The Kind Store too! The types of farmers that sign up to be certified as Fairtrade are usually ones with smaller farms and they must agree to follow strict environmental rules. These consist of banning the use of harmful pesticides, protecting the natural environment, minimising the use of water and energy, especially from non-renewable sources, and making environmental protection part of farm management. Fairtrade also provides training for the farmers on how to achieve the above.
Why Fairtrade?
Protection. Fairtrade workers and farmers are given a safety net that protects them from low prices for their crops.
Planet. Fairtrade supports farmers to do what is right for the environment and the Premium gives them an opportunity to invest in climate resilience.
Premium. This money can be used by the farmers to invest in their farms and communities or invested into other ventures.
Power for women. Fairtrade is encouraging women farmers to take more control and to stand alongside men.
What you can do to help
Follow Fairtrade on social media and shout about it across your platforms to widen the audience it's reached so far.
Sign up with Fairtrade Foundation so you can hear the latest news, events and petitions.
Sign the petitions they send you.
Where possible, choose Fairtrade products.