|
THE DIRT
Fair trade is a movement that ensures producers in poor countries get a fair deal in terms of pay and conditions. It is Fair trade fortnight in Australia and New Zealand from April 29th to May 13th 2006.
Fairtrade label:
This label is an independent certification awarded to products. It guarantees that disadvantaged producers are getting a better deal. It is also a guarantee that you are truly buying fairly traded products. Read more in Spilling the beans on the coffee trade.
What about 'free trade'?:
'Free trade' is unfortunately only 'free' for the big players in international trade. The Fair trade movement offers an alternative for consumers wanting to support truly fair trade between developed and developing nations.
The future:
Things are slowly starting to change. Investment bank Goldman Sachs is sponsoring Fair trade initiatives and has 'greened up' their policies. We wonder their staff drink FairTrade coffee and tea?
The UK and US are streets ahead in Fairtrade product sales. In 2004-5 the UK Fair trade market was a 140 million pound business. In November 2005 McDonalds became the largest retailer to stock FAIRTRADE coffee!
Find out more about fair trade.
G SPOT
If we can change peoples lives simply by changing the brand of tea or coffee we choose, count me in!
Oxfam put it best 'changing the world, one cup at a time'.
COME CLEAN
Tips for conscientious consumers.............
Get your office on to Fairtrade coffee and tea. See the FairTrade Procurment Guide
Convert to Fairtrade coffee or tea; look for the FAIRTRADE LABEL on brands such as Toby's Estate, Five Senses, Cafe Direct and Biobean (which is Certified Organic and Fairtrade). For tea lovers try Clipper Teas
Visit a Fair Trade Cafe such as the Leaf and Bean Tea and Coffee House, 142 Railway St, Cottesloe.
Fair Go Trading an online store (who also have a shop in Perth) offers a range of Fairly Traded goods including teas, coffee, shoes and handicrafts.
If you enjoy the Come Clean weekly tip, please tell all your friends!
Chemical free skincare, Safe cleaning and Organic wine are just some of the upcoming tips, so stay tuned.
| 
