Fairtrade Fortnight kicks off a year of activities with the aim of getting everyone to ‘take a step’. It can be a small step, like changing to Fairtrade tea, or a big step like getting your office to change too. Find out how you can take the first steps.
This year’s Fairtrade Fortnight from 27th Feb – 11th March looks set to be one of the best yet, kickstarting initiatives up and down the country to make trade fair. Recent research shows that six out of ten consumers in the UK believe their own shopping choices can make a real difference to the lives of farmers and workers in poorer countries. Four out of five people say that they look to companies they deal with to help reduce poverty through the way they do business. Latest market research figures show that current awareness of the FAIRTRADE Mark is 77 per cent.
This awareness and positivity can change lives. The Fairtrade Foundation and CAFOD are challenging people to ‘take a step’ for Fairtrade Fortnight 2012. What can you do to make a difference to the lives of farmers in the developing world who grow the products you buy? If you already buy Fairtrade, now’s the time to tell others about the FAIRTRADE Mark, increase sales of Fairtrade products and raise awareness about trade justice.
Fairtrade Fortnight aims to get us, together, to take 1.5 million steps for Fairtrade in 2012. That’s one step for every Fairtrade producer who Fairtrade works with around the world. Each step leads to the better deal that millions of farmers and workers in developing countries urgently need.
You don’t have to stop at the Fairtrade Fortnight as there’s a whole range of activities taking place all year. You can take a Step for Fairtrade at World Fair Trade Day (12 May 2012) and throughout a summer of Fairtrade festivals and fun.
“Great strides forward have been made, but we need to keep on working together for a brighter future for farmers and communities in developing countries,” says Clare Lyons, campaign manager. “Whether you have never bought a Fairtrade product before or run a Fairtrade group, taking the next step on your journey can make a big difference towards a fairer trade system for the world’s poorest people.”
There’s loads of ways to get involved. See http://step.fairtrade.org.uk/ for tips and events or check out the fun below:
Traidcraft Big Brew, nationwide
Traidcraft Big Brew is a nationwide initiative helping individuals, churches, schools and workplaces to host a fair trade event during Fairtrade Fortnight 2012. From coffee mornings to street carnivals, your Big Brew can be anything you want it to be and Traidcraft offer lots of resources to help you host a brilliant Traidcraft Big Brew event. Find out more.
2nd – 11th March – Burgess Hill Fairtrade Festival, West Sussex
With music ranging from folk, classical and rock to Latin American, delicious Fairtrade food, dancing and a host of other activities, Fairtrade Town Burgess Hill shows us how to party with a conscience. Find out more.
23rd Feb – Fairtrade Birmingham Fashion Show
With fairtrade wine, chocolate and clothes, this looks set to be a heart-centred night out for the girls! There will be interviews with Fairtrade marketeers and volunteers so plenty of food for thought too. Find out more.
Melissa Corkhill is the editor of The Green Parent magazine, mother of two and author of the book Green Parenting
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