Fairtrade

What is Fairtrade?

Fairtrade is about ensuring a better deal for producers in developing countries and making sure they get a good price for a good product.

Buying Fairtrade products is the most significant way for you to help boost the economies of these communities. You can make a real difference to the lives of producers and their families by simply swapping some of the items you buy everyday for those bearing the Fairtrade mark.

Fairtrade Hackney

Hackney and some other London boroughs hold Fairtrade status and have switched all of its tea, coffee and sugar to Fairtrade. But the real difference will be made by our residents – you can help us by -

• buying Fairtrade products – tea, coffee, fruit, sugar, chocolate and clothes are all available in shops in Hackney. A comprehensive directory is in development and will appear on this site.
• encouraging your work place to stock tea, coffee and sugar
• if you attend a place of worship, encouraging them to provide Fairtrade refreshments

A comprehensive directory for Hackney can be downloaded from the right of this page.

Schools

If you are a teacher or other member of staff at a school, the Fairtrade Foundation offer targeted resources and materials for pupils of all ages. To find out more call 020 7440 7676.

If your school is already involved with Fairtrade, we can help you to create a Fairtrade Ambassador programme within your school. Contact Ian Rathbone (see below). Schools can apply for their own Fairtrade status – visit www.fairtradeschools.net/schools

To discuss the ways your school can get involved or to arrange a school visit, please contact Ian Rathbone, Hackney Fairtrade Co-ordinator ian.rathbone@tiscali.co.uk or Ajamu Mutumwa 020 8356 7601 ajamu.mutumwa@hackney.gov.uk

Local businesses

The huge increase in the sale of Fairtrade products in recent years shows a clear trend towards consumers making considered choices about what they buy, based on ethical grounds. Offering your customers the choice to buy Fairtrade can increase sales, enhance your reputation and potentially attract new customers.

It’s easy to stock Fairtrade products whether you are a retailer or catering outlet; they are competitively priced and there are over 2,000 to choose from. More information can be obtained from the Fairtrade Foundation on 020 7405 5942.

If you are a business in Hackney who already stocks Fairtrade and you aren’t in our directory, please pass your details to Ajamu Mutumwa on 020 8356 7601 or email ajamu.mutumwa@hackney.gov.uk

If you don’t sell products directly to the public, you can still get involved by providing Fairtrade products in your staffroom or canteen.

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Page updated: 11 Jun 2008