In 1979, Traidcraft began, working with farmers in Bangladesh to ensure they received a fair reward for their labour. That Christmas we bought some of their cute jute angels for our Christmas tree. Then in 1992, Traidcraft joined with Cafod, Oxfam, the WI and others to form the Fairtrade Foundation.
This year, the emphasis of Fairtrade Fortnight is on sustainability - building on the ideas of support for societies, the environment and the economy.
Justice for the poor is an important biblical principle.
Putting that into practice, it matters to me that I buy goods traded in a just and fair way. But caring for creation, and enabling others to live is also important too - much more than buying just teabags!
This is very important.
ReplyDeleteMy mum used to run the Traidcraft stall at a church we went to when I was around 9.
Like my daughters, you have grown up with an awareness of this issue.
DeleteYou've brought back some lovely memories of the Christmas I was 22. I had quite forgotten about the jute angels, but now remember having five on our Christmas tree at home. I still lived with my parents, and was yet to meet the man who would become my husband.
ReplyDeleteI think 1979 was the year that I suddenly developed a social conscience, and realised how much unfairness and inequality there was around the world.
I've been doing my little bit since then, continue to use FairTrade products whenever possible and support my chosen charities, both at home and abroad.
I absolutely love Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, but as yet, none is available Fairtrade. However, I will only buy coffee from the Clifton Mount Estate, which is at least Rainforest Alliance certified.
As Jamaican Blue Mountain is a tad (!) expensive, I usually drink Café Direct Kilimanjaro, which is Fairtrade!
I may not dress in Kaftans and Afghan coats anymore, but the activist still lurks somewhere inside! X
I never did possess an Afghan coat - I liked the look of them, but they were ways too long for me (and some smelled very strange if worn in the rain)
DeleteThank you for the link. I think it will be worth spending some time there.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very informative, and challenging, website
DeleteThanks for the reminder to look out for FairTrade products. I do buy coffee that has the symbol for Rainforest Alliance on it, an organization which does some good. It always bothers me that the children who pick cocoa beans probably never get to have a chocolate bar!
ReplyDeleteThat's sad, but true
DeleteFairtrade Fortnight and I live in the country's first ever Fairtrade Town so it's highly appropriate.
ReplyDeleteI worked for Oxfam when they first starting gearing up with the Fairtrade products, with more and more lines being added every few months. I loved setting out displays and learning all about the products I was selling in the shop.
I wish we had more Fairtrade towns. But things are much better than they were 35years ago
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