A Fairtrade Community

To become a Fairtrade Community we had to show commitment from all sectors of the community to promote and use fairly traded products.

As a Fairtrade Community we continue to promote and encourage the use of Fairtrade Products.  

International trade favours rich countries and large companies. Fairtrade aims to help farmers and workers in developing countries receive a fair price for the products they produce. Fairtrade ensures better working conditions and job security for producers, enabling them to improve and have more control over their lives.

From the foods we eat to the clothes we wear and so many other everyday products, there continues to be a huge power imbalance in global trade. One that leaves millions unable to afford essentials like decent food, access to clean water, medical treatment and education for their children.

Fairtrade means farmers and workers in the currently unfair trading system can earn more income, develop knowledge networks, access support and have a greater say in their future. More than 2 million Fairtrade farmers and workers in over1,800 producer organisations are part of the global Fairtrade system.

Some 47 percent of all Fairtrade farmers produce coffee, but there are also a huge number of other Fairtrade products ranging from the well-known bananas, chocolate and cotton to Fairtrade gold, flowers and shea butter.

The benefits of Fairtrade have stretched across the world. The extra income generated by Fairtrade sales has seen families sending children to secondary schools and universities for the first time, maternity clinics being built in areas that previously had none and farmers investing in sustainable organic methods.

Fairtrade Communities help put a commitment to a fairer future at the heart of their local communities.

Photo caption: Ards and North Down Fairtrade Steering Group with The Mayor and Jose Aquilar from the COCAFELOL collective in Honduras.

Buying Fairtrade

Buying Fairtrade is easy.  Look for the Fairtrade Mark:

There are over 6,000 Fairtrade products some of which are listed below:

• bananas
• beauty products
• chocolate
• coffee
• cotton
• flowers
• gold and silver
• clothes
• cold drinks and juice
• herbs and spices
• sweets, snacks and grains
• sugar, spreads and oils
• tea
• wine

 

How can you get involved:

• Add some products with the Fairtrade mark to your weekly shop
• Buy Fairtrade crafts, flowers, wines and luxury foods as gifts
• Ask your local shop to stock a selection of Fairtrade items 
• Ask your favourite cafe, restaurant or pub to offer Fairtrade refreshments
• Introduce Fairtrade coffee mornings to your friends, workplace or community group. 

The Fairtrade Foundation provides information about Fairtrade, the Fairtrade mark, Fairtrade products and stockists, please visit Fairtrade Foundation (opens new window) for more information

 

Fairtrade Schools

Becoming a Fairtrade School means joining a worldwide movement - a movement where young people learn that, whatever their age, they have the power to make a difference in the world.

It offers a great opportunity to look at global issues such as where our food comes from and how we are connected to people around the world. Students can also learn a range of skills, from teamwork and co-operation to persuasive writing to running a stall or tuck shop.

Teaching about Fairtrade fits different curriculum areas, especially Geography, Citizenship and PSHE.  Fairtrade Schools provide a range of teaching resources to support global learning in your classroom.

Check out Ballyholme Primary School Bangor's project where Primary 6 pupils organised, advertised and ran their very own FairTrade shop to learn about how Fairtrade benefits the farmers, workers and families who produce some of our favourite foods: find it on Facebook (opens new window).

If your school is interested in becoming a Fairtrade school please visit https://schools.fairtrade.org.uk

 

Past Fairtrade events

A good way to promote Fairtrade is to have Fairtrade Coffee morning.

A few key members of our Fairtrade Steering Group hold regular Fairtrade sales in local community and church groups and at Council events. Photos from Helens Bay Presbyterian Church, Bangor Golf Club and Comber Earlies Festival.

To learn more about Fairtrade Places of Worship follow the link - Fairtrade Places of Worship - Fairtrade Foundation

We continue to promote Fairtrade through social media channels and have focused messages during Fairtrade Fortnight and World Fairtrade Day.

On these campaign dates we 'light' up council buildings and plant flowerbeds to celebrate Fairtrade worldwide:

 The Fairtrade Foundation provides information about Fairtrade, the Fairtrade mark, Fairtrade products and stockists, please visit Home - Fairtrade Foundation for more information.