Go 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 every day for those bearing the Fairtrade mark.
Below you will find information about making the switch to Fairtrade goods, Fairtrade in schools, being a Fairtrade business and the Hackney Fairtrade group.
Switching to Fairtrade goods
Hackney Council holds Fairtrade status and has switched all of the tea, coffee and sugar that it buys to Fairtrade products. But the real difference will be made by our residents. You can help by:
- buying Fairtrade goods - tea, coffee, fruit, sugar, chocolate and clothes are all available in shops in Hackney
- encouraging your work place to stock tea, coffee and sugar
- encouraging your place of worship (if you attend one) to provide Fairtrade refreshments.
What Fairtrade products can I buy?
For more information about switching to Fairtrade goods, you can visit the Fairtrade Foundation website. Their retail products page features a wide range of goods - there's something for everybody, including coffee, chocolate, flowers, wines and beers.
You may also find the London Fairtrade Guide (PDF, 3.54MB) useful. It contains a lot of information about where you can buy Fairtrade goods in the capital, along with product suggestions and information.
Hackney Fairtrade directory
If you would like to view a list of shops and businesses in Hackney that sell fairtrade products, you can download our directory of Fairtrade businesses in the borough (PDF, 24KB).
Businesses or organisations offering Fairtrade goods and services who would like to submit entries to the Faitrade directory should contact Dinah-Mary Allotey at Dinah-mary.allotey@hackney.gov.uk.
Fairtrade in schools
Fairtrade Foundation resources
If you are a teacher or other member of staff at a school, the Fairtrade Foundation offers targeted resources and materials for pupils of all ages. Find out more about becoming a Fairtrade school.
Fairtrade Ambassador programme
If your school is already involved with Fairtrade, Hackney Council can help you to create a Fairtrade Ambassador programme within your school. To discuss the ways your school can get involved or to arrange a school visit, please contact Ian Rathbone, Hackney Fairtrade Co-ordinator on ian.rathbone@tiscali.co.uk or Dinah-Mary Allotey on 020 8356 4079 / dinah-mary.allotey@hackney.gov.uk.
Schools also can apply for their own Fairtrade status - visit www.fairtradeschools.net/schools for more information.
Being a Fairtrade business
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.
If you don't sell products directly to the public, you can still support Fairtrade by providing Fairtrade products in your staffroom or canteen.
Hackney Fairtrade Group
The Hackney Fairtrade Group was set up to facilitate and support Hackney's bid to become a Fairtrade borough.
The group includes representatives from local development campaign groups, churches and faith groups, other community groups, schools and Hackney Council.
For more information on the group please contact Ian Rathbone at ian.rathbone@tiscali.co.uk.
Page updated: 14 Mar 2011
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