People are being urged to ‘Show off their labels’ and share what Fairtrade means to them, calling for trade justice for farmers and workers across the developing world.
To mark Fairtrade Fortnight, which takes place from Monday, February 28 to Saturday, March 12, a series of events are being staged throughout the country to show people how a small change in their shopping habits can make a real difference to poverty in the developing world. People across the city are being encouraged to join in by looking out for the Fairtrade logo when buying items made from cotton, helping cotton producers in the developing world to get a fairer deal.
In Exeter to launch the fortnight, Cllr Ian Martin, cead Councillor for Business Transformation and Human Resources, will decorate a piece of Fairtrade cotton bunting, marking the start of Exeter’s contribution to a Guinness World Record attempt to make the longest, and fairest-ever piece of bunting.
The launch takes place the City Council’s Customer Service Centre on Monday, February 28 at 10am. Cllr Martin will be joined by members of the Exeter Fairtrade City Steering Group. There will be display stands with information about Fairtrade and the impact on cotton producers.
Other events in Exeter during Fairtrade Fortnight include a celebration of Fairtrade at Exeter City Football Club on Wednesday, March 2 at 7pm. This free event is open to all and is sponsored by The Co-operative Group, Exeter Fairtrade Group and Fairtrade Devon. There will be presentations by Abdoulaye Diakite, a Fairtrade cotton producer from Mali and Fairtrade Cocoa producer Erica Kyere, from Ghana, as well as a Fairtrade Quiz, Fairtrade refreshments, an opportunity to practice French, as well as making some Fairtrade cotton bunting as part of the World Record attempt.
Cllr Martin told the PRSD: “Buying products with the Fairtrade Mark ensures that farmers receive a fair price for their product, which can be two to three times higher than the global market price. This can mean more money for food, clothing, better housing and sanitation, or for sending their children to school. With over 4,500 Fairtrade certified products now available, it’s easier than ever to change what we eat, drink and wear to Fairtrade and make a positive change to the lives of millions of people in developing countries.”
The Exeter Fairtrade Directory will be available at the Customer Service Centre giving information on shops, cafes and other venues that sell Fairtrade goods. More information and a download of the is available on the Exeter Fairtrade page.
