Fairtrade in Trafford
What is Fairtrade?
 In 1993, the Fairtrade mark was launched for
products produced in developing world countries and
sold under fair trade regulations. Since then, sales
of Fairtrade marked products have increased to the
extent that UK shoppers now buy over £100 million
worth of Fairtrade marked goods each year. Over 250
products are available from a growing number of
supermarkets, newsagents, delicatessens and specific
fair tradeshops and more products are awarded the mark
each year.
The Fairtrade mark guarantees goods have
been fairly traded. The mark is awarded only to
products that meet strict criteria, including:
- Decent wages, adequate housing and health &
safety standards for workers in plantations and
factories.
- The right to join trade unions and to
participate in democratic organisations (e.g.
producers' co-operatives).
- A fair minimum price.
- A social 'premium' on top of the fair price, to
improve schools and provide clean water, healthcare
and roads, so that people can plan their future.
- A long-term trading commitment.
- Good environmental standards and sustainable
production practices.
- No child or forced labour.
The Fairtrade Foundation with its partners, checks
that products continue to meet these criteria after
they are approved.
 Altrincham has achieved the Fairtrade Town
Status
We are pleased to announce that Altrincham was
declared a Fairtrade Town on Saturday 11th March 2006.
This is a significant achievement and Altrincham is
the first town in Trafford to be awarded the status by
the Fairtrade Foundation, thanks to a steering group
of dedicated volunteers.
Stretford, Old Trafford and Sale have organised
Steering Groups currently working towards achieving
Fairtrade Town Status, with the aim to make Trafford a
Fairtrade Borough. Having Fairtrade Status is a
continuing process of promoting and supporting the
Fairtrade initiative, helping to make considered
purchasing choices
Altrincham Fairtrade Guide - (PDF File)
What is a Fairtrade Town?
In order to achieve Fairtrade Town status the
following goals have to be met:
The local Council passed a resolution supporting and
promoting Fairtrade. (A resolution was passed by
Trafford MBC in January 2003).
- A range of Fairtrade products are readily
available in the area's shops, and Fairtrade
products are served in local cafes/catering
establishments.
- Fairtrade products are used by a number of local
workplace and community organisations.
- Media coverage and popular support is attracted
for the campaign.
- A local Fairtrade Steering Group is set up to
ensure continued commitment to
How can I get involved?
Join the growing list of businesses that support
Fairtrade in Trafford. In order to help achieve and
then maintain the five goals we need to know which
businesses support or would like to support Fairtrade
- we feel sure you would like to join us in this
project.
So, if you already use Fairtrade products in your
workplace, such as Fairtrade tea and coffee, contact
the
Sustainability Trafford Team and add your name to
the list that is being compiled.
In order for businesses, organisations and
educational establishments to show their support for
the campaign, the Fairtrade Foundation ask for
commitment to the following 3 pledges:
- To use Fairtrade goods wherever possible at
meetings and events i.e. tea, coffee, biscuits, etc.
- Support the use of Fairtrade goods by providing
information to the public where appropriate.
- Actively support the use of Fairtrade goods by
publishing information about Fairtrade goods and the
campaign in our newsletter, website and other means
of communication where appropriate.
Useful Website Links
www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/societies/salefairtradegroup/
www.fairtrade.org.uk
www.co-opfairtrade.co.uk/index.asp |
